ATLANTA (August 24, 2024) — The Ahmaud Arbery Foundation (AAF), in collaboration with the Atlanta Track Club, will host the virtual Run With Maud 5K race today, honoring the legacy of Ahmaud Arbery. Arbery was tragically murdered while running in Brunswick, Georgia, an event that sparked national outrage and became a symbol of the fight against racial injustice.
Participants are encouraged to join the event virtually, with the option to team up with others in their communities to create local meet-ups. The race, first hosted by the Atlanta Track Club in 2023, saw 1,200 runners and walkers take to the streets of Atlanta, alongside 2,000 virtual participants from nine countries. The inaugural event successfully raised over $200,000 for the Ahmaud Arbery Foundation.
“Nothing will ever make up for losing Maud, who lost his life while running to ease his mind,” said Wanda Cooper-Jones, Arbery’s mother and founder of the Ahmaud Arbery Foundation. “But if his death can help us find ways to create safe spaces where Black boys can run freely without fear to improve their mental and physical well-being, his legacy will live on.”
Following the race, AAF will host a post-run meet-up featuring Cooper-Jones and special guests from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lee + White in Atlanta. The Foundation, dedicated to honoring Arbery’s memory, has provided academic scholarships to students at Brunswick High School for the past three years and launched its inaugural Youth Experience this summer.
Registration for the virtual event is $20, with an option to purchase a commemorative “Run with Maud” t-shirt for an additional $25. All proceeds will benefit the Ahmaud Arbery Foundation.
“Atlanta Track Club is proud to have organized the first Run with Maud 5K last year, and the city of Atlanta was proud to host it,” said Rich Kenah, CEO of Atlanta Track Club. “But going fully virtual is the best way we know to allow runners and walkers from around the world to join hands to show their commitment to making running safe for everyone.”
For more information on the Ahmaud Arbery Foundation, visit their website and follow them on social media platforms.
