Early Bird 5K Registration Now Open: 2019 “IN THEIR SHOES” 5K to Benefit Iraqi Orphans and Vulnerable Children

The Iraqi Children Foundation (ICF) is offering “early bird” registration for the 7th annual “IN THEIR SHOES” 5K to be held on Saturday, June 22, 2019, in the Washington, DC, area.  The run/walk is open to all ages.

The Honorary Co-Chairs of the 2019 5K are His Excellency Fareed Yasseen, Ambassador of Iraq to the United States, and Ambassador Ryan Crocker (Ret.), former U.S. Ambassador to Iraq and distinguished recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. 

ICF's "Young Ambassadors" return this year as champions of Iraq’s children.  Teeba, Ala'a, and Humoody came to the United States from Iraq during the war.  Teeba was in a car bombing as a baby. Ala'a was abandoned because he had cerebral palsy.  Humoody was shot in the face.  Today, these three Young Ambassadors are advocates for very vulnerable children who remain in Iraq. 

In addition to offering awards to winning runners, the 5K team with the most members at the race also wins an award.  Past winners include Team Teeba, the Education for Peace in Iraq Center (EPIC), the US Institute of Peace (USIP), and the Iraq desk at the State Department (NEA/I) which broke records with a team of 52.     

“Early bird” registration is open until March 31.  The fee covers 2019 5K race shirt, water, Iraqi food, and the post 5K after party entertainment.  Registration fees rise to $30 on April 1.

The location of the 5K is at the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), 600 Dulany Street, Alexandria, VA, near Old Town Alexandria.  Check-in on race day begins at 7am with the race set for 8am.  Details of the post-5k after party will be released soon.

For questions, please contact Liz McRae at liz@iraqichildren.org

*          *          *          *          * 

The Iraqi Children Foundation (ICF) intervenes in the lives of Iraqi children who are vulnerable to abuse, neglect, and recruitment by criminals, traffickers, and extremists.  Through funds raised by the 5K, ICF provides orphans, street kids, and children displaced by violence with access to education, legal protection, nutrition, medical care, clothing, and fun.  The 2017 and 2018 5Ks helped fund two Hope Buses – colorful, schools-on-wheels, that provide tutoring and nutrition to some of Iraq's most at-risk children.  ICF is a US based, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) charity (26-1394773).  Donations are tax deductible to the extent by law.