How Decatur’s annual Love Run 5K continues to change lives and bond a community
By Michael J. Pallerino
The success stories are what Sherry Boston revels in. The snapshots of love, hope and resilience are the result of an idea her office had to help raise awareness for teen dating violence and domestic violence survivors at the Women’s Resource Center to End Domestic Violence (WRC) in Decatur. The funny thing is that the race—a 5K through downtown Decatur she dubbed the “Love Run 5K“—was not something the DeKalb County District Attorney had a ton of experience with—on any level. Not only had she never organized an event of that magnitude, but she had only participated in a couple of similar races.
Ten years in, the first 3.1-mile event still resonates with a wash of emotions. All she recalls thinking was, “What if nobody shows up?” And if they did, were they going to raise enough money to break even, let alone donate anything?
Not only did people show up that first year, but they kept coming. The donations. The runners. The volunteers who have shown up year after year without fail to help out have more than surpassed any expectations she had heading toward that first finish line. “It is our hope and desire that every time we do this race, we continue to touch more and more people,” DA Boston says. “I hope that—and it feels like—the people who participate understand there is a purpose—an idea to bring awareness. It never fails. Someone will walk up to me every year and say, ‘I am here because of this.’”
The raw power and emotion behind a statement like that is real. The person who needs help from the Women’s Resource Center could be them. It could be a friend. A family member. For nearly 40 years, WRC has worked to create a world where domestic violence no longer exists. Operating with a strong pillar of support in DeKalb County—the race included—WRC provides comprehensive services to domestic violence survivors, including emergency shelter, housing programs, legal advocacy and prevention education. Beyond immediate crisis intervention, the Center empowers survivors to build lives of safety through programs focused on financial independence, healing and personal growth.
It is in this creed that WRC draws power from the surrounding community, each pulling together to help break the cycle of violence through education and systemic change.
“I remember 10 years ago when we used to talk about the signs of teen dating violence, and we’d always talk about stalking behaviors,” DA Boston says. “It used to be just a boyfriend or girlfriend wanting to know where you were all the time. Ten years later, location apps do that for us. Our kids voluntarily share their location unfiltered with not only their intimate partners, but their friends. Too many view sharing a location as a normal, everyday occurrence. But at some point, we have to draw the line. The goalpost has moved.”
A Center of focus
The Women’s Resource Center to End Domestic Violence’s ability to help explain the nuances of these types of situations is critical. The education available to talk to young people today is here—and must be made a priority. That is especially important in a time when many young people are starting their first intimate partner relationships at ages 13, 14, 15 or 16.
“They may not understand what are appropriate boundaries and what aren’t appropriate boundaries, either because they’ve seen inappropriate boundaries in the home or they’re new to a relationship and they’re not sure what that’s supposed to look like. They may feel that the attention they are receiving is healthy, when in fact it may be unhealthy.”
These situations are what helped inspire DA Boston to create the “Love Run 5K,” which, to note, is an official AJC Peachtree Road Race qualifier. The proceeds are a vital piece in helping support the children and teens served by the Women’s Resource Center.
The funds enable WRC to provide therapeutic services; a daily after school program for children living in their domestic violence safe house; advocacy, mentoring and group activities for teens impacted by domestic violence; a violence-prevention summer camp free to families impacted by domestic violence; and monthly family support activities.
“You cannot throw a stone in Atlanta without hitting a 5K, no matter which direction you throw it,” DA Boston says. “The fact that people want to run our race because they love its mission and purpose, and the people that are surrounding them, is the reason I want to keep doing this as long as people will show up. People come to our race because they believe in the cause. That’s what I want participants to take away—a moment of pause to think about how domestic violence impacts our community. If it takes running this race, it doesn’t matter whether you can do it in 25 minutes or however long it takes, the purpose and agenda is what we hope is on your mind.”
There are any number of success stories that DA Boston can tap into to fortify her belief in the cause. A recent one involves two brothers, ages six and seven, who arrived at WRC carrying the weight of the deep trauma of domestic violence they experienced. The Center immediately became a safe house—a place, where along with their mom, they could begin to build a sense of self-worth and confidence. Shaken upon arrival, the brothers built strength with every small victory, eventually excelling in school and finding a path to greater self-peace.
WRC says that through its afterschool program, the boys found a safe and nurturing environment where they could rebuild trust and begin to process their emotions. WRC focused on the boys’ strengths, and taught them the tools to recognize and manage their emotions.
Today, Decatur’s annual “Love Run 5K” is more than just a race—it’s a celebration of community, resilience and giving back. With every step, the event continues to inspire, proving that a shared love for movement can strengthen minds, bodies and bonds.
How you can get involved
Participate in the race – Sign up as a runner or walker, and invite friends and family to join. Every registration helps raise funds and spread awareness. Each registered runner or walker will receive a signature long-sleeved shirt and race medal.
Donate or fundraise – If you cannot make the race, consider making a donation or starting a fundraising page to help support survivors.
Spread the word – Share information about the race and the Women’s Resource Center’s work on social media or within your networks. Raising awareness is a powerful way to support its mission.
Volunteer with WRC – The Women’s Resource Center needs volunteers to work with children and teens year-round. Submit your volunteer application today at wrcdv.org/volunteer to get started today.
10th Annual Love Run 5K
Feb. 22, 2025
8:30 a.m.
The Gazebo on the Decatur Square in Downtown Decatur
