We laughed. We cried. We ran. All in the name of girls in Alabama – and everywhere – experiencing menstrual equity. This is how Women in Training and our supporters celebrated the Third Annual WIT 5K Race to End Poverty. PERIOD! on October 8, 2022, Period Action Day, in Alabama Old Town. The WIT 5K is the brainchild of WIT founders, 15-year-old Breanna and Brooke Bennett, sophomores at The Montgomery Academy.
Tamika Reed, Esq., the wife of Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed, served as the Honorary WIT 5K Chairwoman. Here is her recorded message of support that aired on WSFA-TV as a public service announcement.
“The WIT 5K was an enormous success, thanks to the leadership of Race Director Laurie Edmondson, the generous donations of sponsors at various levels, and the assistance of many volunteers,” said Dr. Lee A. Farrow, WIT Board Secretary and Chairwoman of the 5K Race Committee. “We were fortunate to have great weather and the support of many individuals and organizations in the community. We hope to broaden our reach and recruit even more runners and walkers in the 5K next year.”
Ms. Edmondson expressed appreciation for the incredible number of volunteers who supported the WIT 5K Race.
“I want to extend my sincerest thanks to all the volunteers who made this event a success,” Ms. Edmondson said. “When I originally sent out the request for volunteers, I was nervous that we would not have enough help. Within a few days, we had students-athletes, families, community activists, and many others signed up to stuff and distribute packets, handle registrations, set up and take down tables and food on race day, and direct runner traffic on the course! I have never been more proud to live in this city, and I'm so grateful that I was able to play a part.”
Women in Training is providing community service hours to all registered volunteers through its affiliation with the President's Volunteer Service Award. While there were dozens of individual volunteers, many volunteers came from the following organizations and teams:
Auburn University of Montgomery Faculty & Students
Auburn University of Montgomery Women's Basketball
Alabama Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)
Brewbaker Technology Magnet High National Honor Society
Mount Zion Primitive Baptist Church
River Region Runners
Robert E. Lee High Pep Squad
Team Red White and Blue
United States Air Force Members
Women in Training Leadership Development Academy
Below are the WIT 5K Race results:
Below are the generous sponsors who supported the Third Annual WIT 5K Race to End Poverty. PERIOD! Special thanks to Montgomery First Lady Tamika Reed for serving as the Honorary WIT 5K Chairwoman.
PLATINUM SPONSORS
Always brand of Procter & Gamble (In-Kind)
Anonymous
Walmart (Cash and In-Kind)
GOLD SPONSORS
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama
Brick and Board Real Estate Advisors
State Farm
SILVER SPONSORS
City of Montgomery
City of Montgomery Council President Charles Jinright
TK Caps
BRONZE SPONSORS - $250
Hilltop Public House
Intuitive Touch
Montgomery Multisport
Nerd Alchemy
Hat Team Realtors
MEDIA SPONSOR
WSFA-TV
IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONS
Buzz Media
Secretary of Sound
DOOR PRIZE SPONSORS
Auburn University of Montgomery
Board and Brush
Chicken Salad Chick
David Koda
Fennel and Fig Bakery
Chelsea and Roger Ward
We will immediately start planning for the 4th Annual WIT 5K. If you are interested in volunteering for this fundraising event, please contact Ms. Adeyela Bennett, CEO, Women in Training, at bennett@womenintraining.org
Photos by Kenya Taylor
