On a brisk morning, Battle Mountain residents participated in a walk for awareness of domestic violence. Balloons released by participants symbolized recognition of those lost to the intimate crime.
On Saturday, Oct. 21, the Lander County Committee Against Domestic Violence held the 12th Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Fun Run and Walk. The 5 kilometer (3.5 miles) run, or 5K, started and stopped at Elquist Park. The path wound through the town of Battle Mountain and was marked by purple balloons.
Event coordinator Angie Gonzalez stated, “This year we did something a little different. It’s the same route we normally do, but there are rocks on the route for the kids. We only had 11 rocks through the course, and the finders received gift certificates for ice cream from Bakkers Brew.”
The crew walked from Elquist Park towards the Maverik gas station before passing by Bakkers Brew, Midway Market and NAPA Auto Parts. Runners and walkers then turned down West Tule Street then passed the old juvenile offense building and courthouse on West Third Street. The participants stayed on West Third Street until they turned right on Weaver Avenue for the final lap around the Battle Mountain High School baseball field.
Upon arrival at Elquist Park, volunteers offered breakfast with burritos, fruit, orange juice and hot cocoa to all participants. Runners received the 2017 T-shirt and an insulated bag to go along with the free breakfast.
Gonzalez explained to the crowd, “Domestic violence is not only battered wives but its battered husbands, children and the biggest one that nobody sees is the senior citizens. We advocates go and try and make things easier for the victims. If anyone wants to come in and volunteer, even a little bit of time is helpful. Everyone is more than welcome.”
Lander County Committee Against Domestic Violence has a hotline at the hospital. Those in need of help can call Battle Mountain General Hospital at (775) 635-5745, where operators can redirect the call to the Lander County Committee Against Domestic Violence.
