IRC Virtual 5K/10K Run for Anti-Trafficking Awareness 2026 (Draft)

By participating in the IRC's Virtual Run, all challengers help support human trafficking survivors in the Central Valley through the CCARE Anti-Trafficking team within the International Rescue Committee, located in Turlock, California. The CCARE program (Central California Anti-Trafficking Resource and Empowerment Program) provides holistic, trauma-informed services, including:

• Long-term case management
• Housing assistance and rental support
• Employment support and referral
• Immigration and legal guidance
• Access to physical and mental health care
• Education and job training support
• Safety planning and survivor advocacy

The Anti-Trafficking team supports survivors of human trafficking, labor trafficking, and sex trafficking. Human trafficking is a form of modern-day exploitation where people are forced into labor or commercial sex through force, fraud, or coercion. Survivors may face physical violence, threats, emotional abuse, and isolation. Anyone - regardless of age, gender, or immigration status - can be impacted. 

Virtually take the 5K or 10K course however you see fit! You can use whatever exercise you prefer (run, bike, swim, walk, row, fitness center machines, other, or a combination of any) to complete the challenge, further your fitness goals, and raise money for the CCARE Anti-Trafficking Team. And we will motivate you along the way! 

As you are increasing fitness and feeling great, you will also be making a real impact; It's a win-win! We have set our initial goal to raise $4000 in donations to support CCARE clients!

All challengers receive a printable bib with your name and race number on it. You can wear this while you exercise or just to take cute pictures. If you take pictures while exercising you can upload them here on RunSignUp to possibly be featured on rescue.org or our Instagram page!

In order for us to use your pictures, you must sign this Media Authorization Form and email it to genesis.mendoza@rescue.org.

Registration

Step One: Register for the Free event here (Basic Entry)

Step Two: Click the link below registration to be redirected to the IRC Donor Drive, where you can make a donation for either Standard Entry ($10-$24) or Premium Entry ($25 and above). You must register for the free event here and make a donation on the IRC donor drive to finish registration for Standard or Premium entry and receive a medal and/or tote bag. 

Step Three: Look out for an email for your printable Race Bib and a reminder about when Race Day begins!

The first 50 people who register for standard entry with a donation of $10-$24, will receive a medal.

The first 50 people who register for premium entry with a donation of $25 and above, will receive a medal and tote bag. 

You've got this!

Take on as few as 3 miles a month or finish the whole thing in one day! Add all your activity miles together. If you keep track of all the miles from steps you take on a normal day, be sure to add this. Those steps add up! You can set your goal to move as few as 3 miles per month or challenge yourself to cover as many as you can. We will help you total up your distance and track your progress with our online platform.
 

These challenges are simple:

- Do what you want to do, when you want to do it, from wherever you are!

- Connect and track your progress on our race page

- Wear your Race Medal with pride because you helped support vulnerable communities in the Central Valley!

Spread the word!

You can still participate if you cannot donate by registering for basic entry. But all standard and premium entry registrations directly support the International Rescue Committee's Anti-Trafficking Team. 100% of your donations go directly to the CCARE Team!

This fundraiser does not ask that you recruit donations but we encourage you to invite your friends to participate with you!
Post information about the challenge to your social media accounts and invite friends and acquaintances to participate.

You can use the hashtag #IRCVirtualRun2026 on Instagram to be featured on our page. 

The more participants we have, the more funds we raise!!

IMPORTANT DATES

May 18: Registration Begins

June 1: Run begins and you can start logging miles!

June 26: Registration deadline if you would like a tote bag (premium entry)

July 24- August 8: Medal and tote bag pickup for local participants at International Rescue Committee office during office hours, Tuesday-Thursday 9-2pm. Remaining merchandise shipped to participants. 

August 14: Run ends

August 16: Last date to log miles and post pictures!