“The 5-mile run distance is twice the length that Opal Lee, the 96-year-old who is known as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth” walked to collect signatures to make Juneteenth a holiday,” note organizers of Fresno’s Juneteenth Freedom Run/Walk. “The initial 2.5 miles were a symbol that, in Texas, ‘the enslaved didn’t know they were free until two and a half years after the emancipation.
’ ” Before the race begins Saturday morning at Woodward Park, participants will learn about Juneteenth and Opal Lee. “Juneteenth is the equivalent of the 4th of July for the Black community,” race director Carmen Mendoza said. “It is an exclamation point to the end of slavery.
” Participation in the run or walk costs $55 for adults and $20 for those under 18. All proceeds fund scholarships for college-bound youth and community service projects. Related Story: In addition, fitness promotion scholarships will be awarded to organizations that promote health and running and have 20+ members on their teams.
Some organizations they work with include East Kaunas, Black Girls Run, Game Changers, and Fresno State Black Alumni Association. Mendoza shared the importance of these partnerships, particularly what the Freedom Run has been working toward with Game Changers. “Trying to diversify the field of run coaching.
Encouraging women to come out and see somebody who looks like them training and being out there during the races. It’s not something that’s highlighted, but it’s.