Stop the Traffick! 2026 — Kalamazoo, MI

“We only have two choices: do nothing, or do something.” – Tony Kirwan, Destiny Rescue Founder & International CEO Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act. Every year, millions of men, women, and children are trafficked worldwide – including right here in the United States. It can happen in any community and victims can be any age, race, gender, or nationality. According to the most recent International Labour Organization (ILO) study, there are an estimated 49.6 million people currently living in modern slavery around the world, and 5.1 million people are in modern slavery on any given day in the United States (ILO 2022). We are ready to do something. Stop the Traffick! is race festival that in partnership with Destiny Rescue is seeking to raise funds to rescue children from human trafficking. In this, the second annual event, we will begin the morning with a one mile fun run followed by a 5K race, both at Kalamazoo Christian Elementary (note that this course will be off-road and will use the cross-country course), followed by awards. International Labour Organization. (2022, September). Global Estimates of Modern Slavery: Forced Labour and Forced Marriage. https://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/—ed_norm/—ipec/documents/publication/wcms_854733.pdf Race Date and Location - Saturday June 6, 2026 at Kalamazoo Christian Middle School The one mile fun run and the 5k race both take place on a cross country course that includes trails so strollers are not encouraged. The 5k is chip timed. The race clock will time the fun run. This year, we are adding a twist: the One Mile Fun Run is now a Costume Run ! We encourage all participants to dress up and join the fun! Event Schedule: Friday Packet Pickup - June 5th, 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Kalamazoo Christian Middle School Saturday Packet Pickup - June 6th, 6:30 am to 7:30 am at Kalamazoo Christian Middle School Saturday One Mile Fun Run - 8:00 am Saturday 5K Race Time - 8:30 am Parking – Limited parking at school. Primary parking is at 12th Street Baptist Church across the street. Event Fees: 5k Race - $30.00 One Mile Fun Run - $20.00 5k Race and One Mile Fun Run - $30.00 Registrants after Friday June 5 at 10am will need to go to the day of race line on race day. Tee Shirts - T-Shirts are guaranteed to participants who register by May 14th. T-shirts for registrations after May 14th will be available on a "First Come First Serve" basis. Awards: 1 Mile Fun Run - All participants will receive a token of participation! 5K Awards - Overall Male and Female, 1st and 2nd Place Division winners age brackets of 14 and Under,15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-99 Race Maps Ministry in Motion - In conjunction with the race, we will be holding a community event serving the Portage and Kalamazoo area. This event is designed to highlight local nonprofit organizations and connect them with volunteers, donors, and supporters. More than a dozen organizations will have an opportunity to showcase the important work they do in a fun, festive environment. Organizations include: Alongside, Inc, Alternatives Care Centers, Destiny Rescue, Dojos of the Risen Son, Jesus Loves Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo Gospel Ministries, Kalamazoo Valley Gleaners, Legacy Thrift, Living Water International, Safe Families for Children of Southwest Michigan, The Davies Project, Tree of Life and Youth for Christ There will be several food trucks on hand! - Cinderella's, Soda Pop Sips, Frosty Boy, Kazoopy's and Ron's Beans. There will be fun block party style yard games, a bouncy house, face painting and door prizes! Stop by after the race.