Racers get ready to begin at starting line. Photo by Daniel Head.
UNC Charlotte’s Alpha Chi Omega (AXO) hosted the Cupid Shuffle 5K on Feb. 11. The race is held during AXO’s Healthy Relationships Week to raise money and fight against domestic violence.
Four hundred and sixteen participants raced to fight against relational abuse and raise awareness about the ever growing problem. Statistics show one in three women experience domestic violence during their college years.
“One in three, that means that in just our chapter alone, around 48 girls have been in, are in, or will be in an abusive relationship before they graduate,” Race coordinator Tori Clymore said.
Eighty-five percent of the proceeds go to Charlotte’s Safe Alliance domestic violence shelter while the remaining 15 percent go towards the AXO’s foundation.
Sponsors like Stifle, A&R Painting, American Campus, Honey Baked Ham, Graphic Cow, Trader Joes, Ale’s University, Mabe Trucking, Discount Tire, Brickhouse Grill, Westminster American Insurance Company, Badger Color and Rodgers Building showed their support for healthy relationships by helping raise money for the cause.
UNC Charlotte fraternities Sigma Chi, Zeta Beta Tau, Phi Delta Theta, Sigma Phi Epsilon, Delta Sigma Phi and Alpha Sigma Phi sponsored the race as well.
First, second and third place participants received medals in the women’s, men’s and couple’s categories.
“Because of the statistics, because of the long term effects of abuse, we won’t stop until every man and woman on our campus is aware of the signs and the resources available for people in abusive relationships. Abuse knows no gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation… it can affect anyone and that’s why we work so hard to raise awareness on our campus,” Clymore said.