The second annual Holly’s Hope 5k will be hosted by The Sexual Assault/Spouse Abuse Resource Center (SARC) on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2015 at the Ma and Pa Heritage Trail.

SARC is a support group and hotline for victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, child abuse and stalking. The group was established in 1978 due to the lack of support and services for victims of sexual violence, and worked together with the Harford County Commission for Women to establish the Community Services Building in Aberdeen, Maryland. Over the years SARC has incorporated a domestic violence program, a sexual violence program, a legal advocacy program, a 28 bed shelter, community outreach/education services, an administrative staff, and a 24-hour hotline maintained by trained volunteers; all of which are completely free of charge.

The run was created and organized by Ethan Brito in 2014 to Honor his Aunt Holly who is an abuse survivor. The course will start and finish at the Liriodendron Mansion with prizes awarded to the top male and female finishers, followed by a post-race party with food and refreshments.

Brito is currently a student at West Point fulfilling his dream of being in the army. He has stated: “What impacted me most, and pained me greatly, was to learn many victims of abuse feel they have nowhere to go, nowhere to turn, because they do not even know SARC exists. I have a hope that I can honor Holly and show her the respect and admiration she deserves for the strength of her unbreakable human spirit. And I have a hope that together as partners, we can introduce greater community awareness and show victims through SARC there is a refuge, there is a sanctuary, there is harmony and that there is hope for them, too.”

The 5K will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. with a 17 dollar entry fee. The address for the Liriodendron Mansion is 502 W. Gordon Street, Bel Air MD 21014. If you would like to learn more or donate to SARC, visit www.sarc-maryland.org for more information.