Run to raise healthy relationship awareness
More than 1,000 are already registered for a free 3K run that will bring awareness and a touch of color to Mississippi State University.
"Go. Paint. Starkville" will be held Saturday [March 21] at 9 a.m. The color run, coordinated by MSU's Office of Health Education and Wellness, aims to raise awareness about healthy relationships. The MSU campus route begins at the amphitheater and continues around Sorority Row.
The event, open to all students, faculty, staff and surrounding community members, is being sponsored by the Verizon Foundation, the Department of Health Education and Wellness, Phi Mu, Pi Beta Phi, and Haven 12.
Organizer Leah Pylate, assistant director in the Office of Health Education and Wellness and Sexual Assault, said the run is a free event to all and includes a free t-shirt while supplies last. Sign in begins at 8 a.m.
Registration is available at www.health.msstate.edu/health/go-paint/index.php, with a registration deadline of March 18. No onsite registration will be available.
"This run is not timed and people are welcome to walk the route," Pylate said. Community and MSU organization booths will be available for participants to peruse, and they will be entertained with music by Drew Harrison and Co.
Pylate explained that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 24 people per minute on average are victims of rape, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner in the United States.
"We are seeking to raise awareness of these causes. This event supports healthy relationships and all of the survivors, friends and family who have experienced these crimes," Pylate said.
MSU offers a network of support and response services. Available resources include: MSU Police (662-325-2121), Student Counseling Services (662-325-2091), Longest Student Health Center (662-325-2431), Dean of Students (662-325-3611), among others. Pylate said the Department of Health Education and Wellness seeks to increase prevention and response awareness and can be reached at 662-325-2090.
She added that student organizations may request a program on any topic including sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence or stalking at www.health.msstate.edu/health/program-request.
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Allison Matthews | Public Affairs
