“This race tells us we belong and we have a place in the world and we do not need to stay stuck in what brought us here.” When Darla, a Team Roseville Alumni, was re-incarcerated in late 2023, she didn’t let that stop her from running. She kept going on her own through 2024 and this year decided to train for the City of Lakes Half Marathon, which takes place just a couple of weeks after her release in September. To prepare, she joined the MiMS Distance Crew, participating in team runs virtually and staying in touch with the team coach to follow her training plan. But Darla hasn’t just kept running—she’s inspired others to run too. At MCF-Shakopee, she has recruited more than 20 women to participate virtually in this year’s Downtown Run Around! While we run on the U of M campus, they’ll be running alongside us from inside the facility. Darla says, “Running this race alongside y’all breaks down the stigmas of who we are, what we are doing, and what we can accomplish, whether we have a release date or not. I recently learned that the opposite of addiction is not sobriety, but rather, it is connection. Our inclusion in this 5K provides that connection and diminishes the alienation we experience from the community.” When you join us for the Downtown Run Around, you support people like Darla who are breaking down barriers and building connection. It’s not too late to join us—register to run or volunteer at the link in our bio! (fb)

3...2...1...Mile In My Shoes...WOOOOOOOO!!!!! (fb)