A group of Santa Barbara runners are welcoming the community to come together for a World Refugee Day 5k “shadow run” in the Funk Zone on Thursday, June 20.
The third annual World Refugee Day 5k in Uganda takes place on the same day in the Nakivale Refugee Settlement. This one-of-a-kind run brings together more than1,000 participants — refugees and supporters alike, and professional athletes. For the first time, runners anywhere in the world can support this event by joining the ARC virtually and at shadow runs similar to the one hosted in Santa Barbara.
The virtual component is supported by Soul Focus Sports, an event production and marketing agency whose founder, J.T. Service, is a UCSB alum and 2008 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier. Service is in Uganda, helping support the production of the live event.
“We believe that sport can change lives and the ARC is helping bring purpose to refugees in Uganda and throughout the world,” Service said. “We’re inviting runners everywhere, including in Santa Barbara, to join ARC in this inspirational journey. It’s fantastic to see a Shadow Run come together in a city near and dear to my heart.”
The Santa Barbara event begins at 6 p.m. at Topa Topa Brewing Company in the Funk Zone. The group 5k will be followed by drinks specials and music.
The group run is free to attend and participants are encouraged to RSVP on the Santa Barbara Shadow Run’s Facebook page.
Participants may also register for a virtual 5k or donate to the American Refugee Committee (ARC).