Women’s Coalition 32nd Annual Women’s Race Sees Strong Attendance

ST. CROIX — A tradition for 32 years, the Women’s Coalition of the Virgin Islands held its annual Women’s Race here, this time moving the run from Christiansted to Frederiksted, and adding a live performance by Tia Mason and nonstop music by deejay Myron, to what was already an eventful affair.

The run sees domestic violence survivors participating in the women-only race every year, proudly demonstrating growth and healing from the trauma of abusive relationships, sexual assault and other crimes, according to Women’s Coalition.

The two-mile run in the streets of Frederiksted saw participants of all ages taking the challenge while onlookers cheered them on. The race has stood over the years as a reminder that domestic violence still greatly affects the Virgin Islands, but also as a testament to the ability for victims to overcome and lead successful lives.  This year’s overall winners were Mikaela Smith, coming in first place with a time of 13:48, Michelle Smith in second with a time of 14:08, and Annie Myrvang in third with a time of 14:21.

According to statistics provided by the Women’s Coalition, the nonprofit in 2014 assisted 1,184 survivors of domestic violence, 243 rape survivors, 84 child survivors of physical and sexual assault, and 25 survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault ans stalking, with the victims’ children being housed in the Coalition’s sojourner house and other emergency shelters.

A big part of the yearly effort are businesses that support financially and by other means. Major sponsors this year were: Sonya, Ltd., Caribbean Reservations Inc., Bank of St. Croix, ADT Security, AARP, Denali Asset Management LLLP, and Banco Popular. Supporting sponsors are: American Infrastructure Development, Isle 95, T.E.A.M. Consultants, Scotiabank, Sunny Isle Developers; and contributing sponsors are: Pediatric Care Center, Broadband VI and Continuum Care.