1. Empower Campaign brings popular 5K back to
Athens, raises funds for African school
ATHENS – Runners from across the state will unite in Athens on Oct. 10 for the 2nd Annual 5K Run to Empower, with pro-
ceeds to benefit The Empower Campaign.
The Empower Campaign is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating AIDS orphans and vulnerable children in Uganda,
Africa. The Empower Campaign moved to Ohio University in 2006, and has since spread to three other universities around the
state.
The money raised from Run to Empower will be used to rebuild Bigodi Nursery and Primary School, which was decimated by
a storm in November 2008. Reconstruction has already begun on the school, and the foundation for the first class room is in
place.
Last year, more than 20 student organizations and 500 runners participated in the 5K Run to Empower, raising more than
$15,000 and making Run to Empower the largest OU 5K of the year. Even more runners are expected at this year’s event.
The five-kilometer (3.1 miles) Run to Empower will start at 12 p.m. (noon) on Oct. 10, 2009 at the Ping Recreation Center on
Ohio University’s campus. Registration is $15, and runners are encouraged to pre-register online at
www.empowercampaign.org. All registered runners will receive a race t-shirt and will be entered in race-day raffles. Runners
who register online can also get sponsors. Last year, the runner who raised the most funds through their online sponsor page
received a motorized scooter.
Through fundraisers such as the 5K and weekly jewelry sales, The Empower Campaign has helped educate thousands of
kids, build schools, initiate lunch programs and bring hope to communities half a world away.
Results
512 participants
Raised more than $15,000
Raised enough money to build a
classroom for the Bigodi Nursery
and
Primary School
Media Coverage: ACRN, The
Post, The Athens News,
Columbus Alive
Impression’s for Empower
PR Team