Syracuse.com - Manlius teen's concern about Syrian refugees results in Sunday's 5K run at Onondaga Lake Park

HuntingNY-News · October 24, 2013

"We're encouraging runners to dress in a way that reflects a particular culture, ethnicity or nationality so the race is a celebration of diversity," she said.

Caroline Tangoren

Caroline Tangoren said the idea of organizing Sunday's Global Community 5K run came to her in August after a reading a chilling newspaper account of the lives of Syrian refugee at a Lebanese refugee camp.

The account, published in the New York Times, included one refugee's comment that "'the only place we have is where we bury our dead."

Tangoren, 17, a senior at Fayetteville-Manlius High School, said she then went out for a run and began thinking of all the reasons she likes to run and how lucky she was not to have to worry about food, a roof over her head or being safe. She then thought of the refugees who are running to save their lives. She said she felt she had to do something.

Tangoren came up with the idea of organizing a 5K and donating the profits.

The teen contacted the office of the Catholic Charities of Onondaga County in Syracuse and was surprised to learn about its local Refugee Resettlement Program and that there were already Syrian refugees in the area. Through her involvement with the Model United Nations student program at school, she was also aware of Oxfam International, a group she felt confident would get money to the refugees.

The proceeds from Sunday's run, which she organized with the help of friend, Nika Jonas, 17, of Syracuse, will be split evenly between both charities. Jonas is a student at Manlius Pebble Hill School.

The race will begin at the Sawmill Creek Shelter at Onondaga Lake Park in Liverpool. Runners will follow the East Lake Shore Trail.

Registration will begin at 7:30 a.m. The race will start at 9 a.m. Cost is $25 for those who pre-register on line; $35 on race day.

"We're encouraging runners to dress in a way that reflects a particular culture, ethnicity or nationality so the race is a celebration of diversity," Tangoren said.

For further information, see the race website at globalcommunity5K.org or check the race's Facebook page, "Global Community 5K.

View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog