Movement Spotlight: Andrea Pitman
Our 11th annual 5K is less than a month away! When you join the Eden's Run 5K Virtual Challenge, you are running after every single donation that the 24 teachers and 1,300 students we support in Yida Refugee Camp lost this year because of the pandemic.
The success of this year’s run hinges on our incredible Team Captains across the United States and around the world. They’ve been hard at work the past few weeks recruiting their first batch of runners.
I wanted to know how they’re doing this, so I reached out to Andrea Pitman — who has already recruited 8 runners — to learn more:
This year's run is...different. What are you looking forward to most?
I'm excited to still have a reason to connect with my friends and community, even if that looks less than normal. I think the pandemic has a lot of people craving a feeling of togetherness and this is a fun and meaningful way to do that!
You've already recruited 8 runners to your team! How'd you pull that off?
I actually followed the Team Captain Guide that OBS provided. I started by asking close friends who would want to hang out just because. Then I started asking family members and then my runner friends. Next, I plan to ask my coworkers if they want to join in and run or donate.
Do you think people are more or less likely to get involved this year because of the pandemic?
In my experience, people were quick to respond and agree. Again, there are fewer gatherings (whether in-person or virtual) right now and a virtual 5k is a great event to participate in. Get outside, get moving, enjoy the weather, and support some great teachers!
Do you have any advice for our other Team Captains?
Have fun with it! I'm planning to get a group together in person for those who feel comfortable doing so (and properly socially distancing) to run/walk during the weekend.
Those who feel more comfortable running solo, I'm going to make it a "relay" event on social media. So I'll plan to kick off the event and run my 5k and then "tag in" the next person on my team on social media. Once they've completed their race, they'll tag in the next person, and so on.
You can also try and use challenges to raise more money online. My husband is running and as more people donate, he'll do extra exercises at the race or let people pick out something crazy for him to wear. It's a fun way to get people engaged.
Start Your Team
There’s still time to start a team in your community and put your state on the map! Head on over to our ticketing site, hit Register To Run, and select Create A Team.
It only takes a minute to get started, and you’ll be ready to change lives in Yida Refugee Camp.
About Us
Operation Broken Silence is building a global movement to empower the Sudanese people through innovative programs as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We focus on empowering Sudanese change makers and their critical work. Learn more here.
Donations are tax-deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law. Give here.
About Mark
Mark Hackett is the Executive Director of Operation Broken Silence. He works with our Sudanese partners and oversees our daily operations.
Mark is one of only a few Americans to have been on the frontlines in the Nuba Mountains during the war and Yida Refugee Camp.
