DeKalb Community Hosts Annual Aruna Run on July 26 to Help Free Sexually Exploited Women in India
Local supporters of The Aruna Project, an international nonprofit working to free, employ, and empower victims of human sex trafficking, will host their 3rd annual 5K and 1-Mile fun run/walk in DeKalb on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Christ Community Church, located at 2350 Pride Avenue. This inspiring and family-friendly event supports the Aruna Project’s mission to create lifelong freedom for women trapped in exploitation—providing them with trauma-informed care, safe housing, and meaningful employment.
Over the past two years, the DeKalb Aruna Run has raised more than $58,000, directly benefiting survivors of human trafficking. The DeKalb event is one of several held across the country to raise both awareness and funding for the Aruna Project’s life-changing work.
Ryan Berg, Founder and CEO of the Aruna Project, emphasized the urgent need for action. “Human trafficking is a global epidemic,” he said, “but the need in India is especially urgent.” Mumbai’s red-light district is the largest in the world. There are an estimated 15,000 sex workers in a two-square-mile area, and the combination of poverty, gender bias, corruption, widespread violence against women, and victim-shaming all contribute to an environment where freedom is nearly impossible without outside help. Local Race Host Kim Barrios explained, “even if a woman escapes, she’s often rejected by her community. Without a way to support herself, she’s at risk of returning to her traffickers. That’s why Aruna focuses on employment and empowerment.” Through its outreach centers and Freedom Business model, the Aruna Project provides survivors with trauma care, vocational training, transitional housing, and sustainable employment. Since 2015, the organization has cared for over 8,400 women, freed and employed more than 160 survivors, and prevented over 560 women and children from being trafficked.
Barrios’ motivation is simple: “If I were in that situation, I’d want someone to come for me. If it were my daughter, I’d pray someone would go for her.” Her husband and fellow co-host, Gabe Barrios, added, “We can’t physically rescue these women ourselves, but we can all do something. With 100% of race registration fees going directly to support survivors, the Aruna Project makes it easy for anyone to make a real impact.”
The 2025 Aruna Run will begin at 8:00 a.m. Both the 5K and 1-Mile courses are stroller-friendly and open to all ages and abilities. On-site packet pickup and walk-up registration will be available from 7:00 to 7:45 a.m., followed by a call to the start line. A free Toddler Trot will take place at 9:15 a.m., and kid-friendly activities—including henna tattoos, a giant slip ’n slide, bounce houses, and more—will run from 8:00 to 10:30 a.m.
This year’s event also includes access to complimentary post-race massages, a local coffee truck, and opportunities to purchase survivor-crafted Aruna merchandise, T-shirts, and jewelry.
Registration is open now, including a virtual option for those unable to attend in person. The registration fee is $40 through July 19, increasing to $45 afterward. Children 12 and under can register for the 1-Mile course at a discounted rate, though participants of any age are welcome on either course. Race swag includes a handmade, survivor-crafted packing cube, T-shirt, Aruna sticker, race bib, and finisher luggage tag. Participants are encouraged to register by July 6 to guarantee shirt size and availability.
Advance packet pickup will be available at Christ Community Church on July 24 and 25 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Race-day pickup begins at 7:00 a.m. Virtual participants may collect their packets during those times or at the church during regular business hours between July 29 and September 5. An additional pickup will be held on September 5 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Free parking is available at DeKalb High School (501 W. Dresser Road) and Katz Park (393 W. Dresser Road), both within walking distance of the race site.
Top male and female finishers will each receive a survivor-made Aruna tote bag, $50 gift card to the Aruna Shop, and a gold medal. Additional medals and prizes will be awarded to age group winners, the oldest, youngest, and “slowest” finishers, as well as to the top fundraisers and three standout teams. Teams with 10 or more participants will also enjoy a designated gathering space on race day.
To register, donate, shop survivor-made goods, or learn more about the cause, visit https://linktr.ee/dekalbarunarun.
Run for her freedom.