– Returning for the 12th year, Christ Episcopal Church of Downtown Raleigh is eager to announce its annual Run for Young 5K race taking place Sunday, Jan. 13 at 2 p.m. Run For Young is a family-friendly race for the young and young at heart with a mission to raise awareness for teen safety behind the wheel. The course for the race is an out-and-back route throughout Edenton and Hillsborough Streets, which starts and ends at Christ Episcopal Church, located at 120 E Edenton Street. Triangle-area families and people of all ages are invited to run or walk in the race, and strollers are welcome.

The race began in 2008 in loving memory of Sadiki Young, a senior at Wakefield High School at the time and an active member of Christ Episcopal Church. Young lost his life as a passenger in an alcohol-related accident on Jan. 14, 2007. The 18-year-old was full of life, personality and character. Young was a successful student, gifted musician, and talented athlete. The congregation of the church comes together with the local community each year to host the 5K race in his memory.

“We feel blessed to be hosting the Run for Young 5K for its 12th consecutive year,” said Beth Alley, race director. “We will continue to keep the memory of Sadiki alive by holding this race each year to honor his radiant spirit and passion for life. We look forward to having the community join us at the starting line in January.”

This tragedy serves as a reminder to teens on the importance of making smart choices when vehicles and alcohol are involved. Therefore, all proceeds from race registration fees will go toward programs that raise awareness about safe driving practices for teens at local high schools, as well as support for the Christ Church Youth Ministry Endowment Fund, which was created in honor of Young.

To commemorate Young’s love of music, the annual race includes music from local bands that volunteer their time to perform live along the sidewalks of the racecourse. Bands are still needed for the Jan. 13 race. Interested bands can contact rungoryoung@gmail.com to learn more about how to participate. There are also different levels of sponsorships still available. Businesses interested in becoming sponsors can visit runforyoung.org/sponsor-the-race.html.

In addition, all registered runners will be automatically entered for the chance to win variety of door prizes. Other race awards will be given to the top three male and female race finishers, as well as male and female age group division finishers.

Those who register by Wednesday, Jan. 2 will receive a complimentary race t-shirt and bag. To register for the race now, visit www.runforyoung.org/info-and-registration.html.