ATLANTA - June 25, 2024 - To offer runners and walkers from across the country and around the world the chance to keep alive the memory of Ahmaud Arbery, murdered in 2020 while running in Brunswick, Georgia, the Run with Maud 5K Run/Walk returns this year with a major change: the event, on August 24, will be fully virtual.
The event both honors Ahmaud Arbery's memory and raises funds for the Ahmaud Arbery Foundation, which provides mental health resources for Black boys.
In May 2023, Atlanta Track Club, in conjunction with the Foundation, organized the inaugural Run with Maud 5K, in which 1,200 runners and walkers took to the streets of Atlanta along with 2,000 virtual participants from nine countries. The event raised more than $200,000 for the Ahmaud Arbery Foundation.
"Nothing will ever make up for losing Maud, who lost his life while running to ease his mind," said Wanda Cooper-Jones, his mother and founder of the Ahmaud Arbery Foundation. "But if his death can help us find ways to create safe spaces where Black boys can run freely without fear to improve their mental and physical well-being, his legacy will live on."
Among its initiatives, the Foundation has for the past three years awarded academic scholarships to qualified students at Brunswick High School, in Ahmaud's hometown. The Foundation will also host its first Youth Experience this summer.
Participants can register here for $20 and have the option to purchase a commemorative "Run with Maud" shirt for an additional $25. All proceeds from registration and shirt sales will benefit the Ahmaud Arbery Foundation. Shirts will be shipped to participants, with those registering by August 15 receiving them before the event.
"Atlanta Track Club is proud to have organized the first Run with Maud 5K last year, and the city of Atlanta was proud to host it," said Rich Kenah, CEO of Atlanta Track Club. "But going fully virtual is the best way we know to allow runners and walkers from around the world to join hands to show their commitment to make running safe for everyone."
Running organizations from around the globe, including New York Road Runners and the London Marathon Events, have pledged their support for this year's event.
Participants are encouraged to share their involvement on social media using the hashtag
#RunWithMaud and are encouraged to join meet-up groups or run independently, celebrating Maud's life
as they complete their miles. Information on meet-up locations and other event details will be added to
ahmaudarberyfoundation.org as the event day nears.