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Cal Poly students organize virtual 5K race in support of Black community

Posted at 11:18 AM, Jun 02, 2020
and last updated 2020-06-02 14:19:27-04

Three college students are orchestrating virtual 5K races every week this month to raise awareness for the Black community.

Lola Carpenter is one of two Cal Poly students behind the initiative called Step Into Justice.

Every week, Carpenter says they will run for a different civil justice organization and collect donations through Go Fund Me.

This week, Step Into Justice is supporting the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

People across the country are encouraged to run, walk or bike 3.1 miles and record the activity using a free exercise tracking app such as Map My Run, Nike Run Club or Strava.

Then, participants are asked to share their completed race route on social media and tag @StepIntoJustice. In your post, people can ask friends and family to donate to the Go Fund Me by adding a link to the site in on their bio page.

Carpenter hopes participants use the miles as a time to be introspective.

"When you're out there running, keep in mind all the people who don't have the privilege of running in their neighborhoods without fear," Carpenter said.

Donating is not required to participate. Carpenter says donations of all amounts are welcome and appreciated.

Step Into Justice is providing everyone with resources to learn more about systemic racism and inequality through a Google Doc.

Click here to sign up to participate in the race.

The group will announce the next organization is it supporting on June 8.