Summary
Welcome to Refuge International’s “Routes To Refuge”! Whether you’re motivated by a desire to get fit, express solidarity with the plight of refugees, support Refuge International, or a combination of these, you’re at the right place–because Routes to Refuge is all of these! Sign up now by clicking on the button above or continue reading for more details.
What It Is/How It Works
“Routes to Refuge” is a virtual fitness fundraiser in which we’re giving participants an opportunity to get fit while honoring refugees who have fled their homelands to seek shelter in places outside their home country–like Louisville! The virtual fitness event will take place from May 20th to June 22nd. During this time frame participants will walk, run, bike, or swim a distance of their own choosing which corresponds to a distance refugees have covered in their flight to safety. (For example, participants who choose the Somali route would cover 137 miles over the course of the event which corresponds to the distance between Laascaanood, Somalia and Mirkan, Ethiopia, while participants choosing the Sudan route would aim for a total of 64 miles which corresponds to the distance between Kurmuk, Sudan and Sherkole, Ethiopia.) You can do Routes solo or create/join a team. And how and when you complete the miles of your route is up to you!
As you complete the miles of your chosen route in the real world, progress is measured–and compared with other individuals and teams–in the virtual world through tracking links provided in registration. You can update your miles whenever you like via the Routes To Refuge homepage on our website, or, if you prefer, you can track your miles on a weekly basis by clicking on a link provided in a weekly email that will be sent to all participants.
Learn About Refugees
In addition, at virtual “mile markers” along the way, you’ll receive thought-provoking information about refugees, peoples, and countries to help you grow in knowledge and pray for those who have fled and are fleeing from danger to places of refuge.
Party!
Finally, Routes To Refuge concludes with a really fun, in-person cultural celebration on the grounds of Kenwood Elementary on Saturday, June 22nd from 11 to 2. The cultural celebration will include food prepared by local immigrant cooks, ethnic musical performances, games, and fun for the whole family! On this day participants can pick up their t-shirts, and prizes will be awarded for earliest individual route completed, longest distance completed (individual and team), largest team, and most money raised through peer to peer fundraising.
Routes To Refuge Participant T-Shirt
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does it cost to participate?
A: $35 for registration + t-shirt, $25 for registration only.
Q: Am I supposed to get sponsors for my walk/run/bike?
A: No. Funds are raised solely through registration fees and any peer to peer fundraising that takes place.
Q: Can I choose multiple routes?
A: Yes, upon logging the final miles of your route, a message will appear asking if you would like to sign up for a second or third route.
Q: Is the “cultural celebration” a virtual or in-person event?
A: It is an in-person event at Kenwood Elementary School on June 22 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Q: When am I supposed to complete my route?
A: Whenever you choose over the course of the event (May 20-June 22).
Q: Am I expected to raise funds through peer to peer (online) fundraising?
A: Peer to peer fundraising is encouraged but not required.