By Kris Leonhardt

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – “ The Real Freedom 5k Run/Walk started about six years ago after I attended a women’s conference in Appleton and heard a speaker sharing about human trafficking and running our race to help others,” said Michelle Christensen, race coordinator. “I came home, talked to my pastor and leaders, was hooked up with a pastor’s wife in Tomah who is part of a running group, and it all came together from there. We wanted to make a difference in a small town.”

Started in 2013, the Real Freedom 5K Run/Walk began to spread awareness and help support victims of human trafficking, through a partnership among local churches and businesses.

Though public perception may view human trafficking as an issue far removed from the central Wisconsin area, Christensen explains the reality is the problem is statewide.

“FBI statistics report every county in Wisconsin has open and active cases of human trafficking, and I have heard several local speakers and law enforcement in both Wisconsin Rapids and surrounding areas reference that statistic,” said Christensen.

The 5K will take place August 11 at Necedah’s Lions Park. To guarantee a race t-shirt, participants must register by July 1.

For more information, visit their Facebook event page or contact Michelle Christensen at 608-565-2589 or [email protected].   More information is available at www.realwomenreallife.org.