On September 21, 2019, more than 70 people, including students, faculty and community members, participated in Women in Law’s 23rd annual WIL to Run 5K. Every year, the money raised from the race benefits Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands, the only sexual trauma services provider in the Midlands. This year was no exception as Women in Law raised more than $2,000 in total support for STSM.
“This event has been so rewarding for our entire organization. Hearing the stories of survivors and learning how impactful this race is to survivors has been really meaningful to everyone involved and really brings home what this race is all about—supporting survivors,” said AC Parham, WIL treasurer and event coordinator.
In recent years, the 5K has typically been held around Hand Middle School, but for the second year in a row, the race was held at Timmerman Trail in Cayce, South Carolina.
“We loved this trail last year, and this year, we were able to restructure the start and finish line in a more feasible way,” says WIL president Taylor Voegel. “The trail is mostly wooded, providing shade and a much prettier view, but it is still paved, so it’s the perfect place for a beautiful run. And the fact that it is less expensive to use means that more proceeds can go directly to STSM.”
During the race, South Carolina Law student volunteers lined the trail with noise makers and posters of encouragement as runners and walkers completed the race, and an array of partakers from avid runners, including law professor Clint Wallace—who won first place—to walkers with strollers and dogs joined in the race to support STSM.
“Both the legal and business communities do a great deal to support this race each year,” Parham said. “Law firms and other organizations, such as South Carolina Women Lawyers Association, give generous financial donations which cover the costs of the race and benefit STSM. Local restaurants and other businesses gave in-kind donations such as gift cards to serve as prizes for the winners of 5K.”
With the growing support from members of the community and the law school, Women in Law has high hopes for continuing the race for years to come.
“This has been a staple among law school events for 23 years,” Parham said. “It’s a great way for the law school and the community to come together and show support for a great cause. I can’t wait to see how the next generation of Women in Law members carries WIL to Run in the future.”