The race to equality

by Robin Dorner

Editor in Chief

Training for a marathon can be arduous task. It requires many months – even years of conditioning. Then, on race day, there are great unknowns about how one's body can withstand the 5K, 10K…or even a 26-plus mile toll of running on asphalt, grass or other terrain amid a crowd of multiple runners.

So why do it? So why should you train, condition and work so hard to race, in this case, for equality?

“The social and political environment in Oklahoma is arguably the most oppressive in America,” said race director, Josh Sauer. “Our leaders continue trying to control the women’s uteruses, most poor people of color are shoved into neighborhoods and setup for failure, individuals with variant abilities are ignored, discriminatory legislation for the LGBT community continues to advance, and a lot of our elderly veterans are still living on the streets.”

The idea for the Equality Run came from Josh Sauer who, as an avid runner, board member of Cimarron Alliance and a community volunteer.

“I wanted to organize and direct a race with an ‘equality’ theme. When I joined the Cimarron Alliance Board of Directors, I mentioned the idea to executive director Scott J. Hamilton and he loved it. The rest is history.

“Any community that is or that has ever been considered to be of a minority status [will benefit]. It’s not just an “LGBT race. It allows individuals who appreciate diversity to express their support. It also allows our oppressive Oklahoma legislators the chance to see that ‘we’re’ not going anywhere.”

The Equality Run, presented by Cimarron Alliance, is an awareness event first and a fundraising event second. It’s important that every sector of the community understands the importance of Cimarron Alliance and the new Equality Center.

There are many people signed up from Oklahoma’s surrounding states; over 200 runners at the time of this writing, leaving weeks for people to sign up. Including all participants, volunteers and supporters, organizers are hoping to see 1,000 people on race day. All are encouraged to sign up early.

Sauer encourages everyone to race, including those who wish to walk, run or use a wheel-chair – but do arrive early. There will be a shuttle bus if needed to help traffic flow. 

“Lastly, it’s not about finishing first,” adds Sauer.  “It’s about finishing.”

The race is at 8 a.m. on June 29th, where average temperatures at that time of day usually don’t exceed 80 degrees. There will be plenty of ice and water with EMSA on site to assist with any medical issues.

There will be a 5K, 10K and a 1 mile fun run.