Upscale downtown eatery Cowford Chophouse will host its third annual MOO-VE IT 5K event on March 2.
This year’s race will benefit the Justice Coalition, a local nonprofit organization that advocates on behalf of, and provides services to, victims of violent crime within the Northeast Florida region. Proceeds will be donated in the name of the late Michael Liles, former executive director of the organization.
“The Justice Coalition provides remarkable support for victims and their families,” says Cowford Chophouse owner Jacques Klempf. “We are proud to bring the community together through the MOO-VE IT 5K to raise awareness and funds that provide a voice for victims of crime in honor of Michael, whose incredible work and passion has been helpful and inspirational to so many.”
Liles passed away last October at the age of 62. He had begun working for the organization in 2017 after his wife was killed as the result of a violent crime.
“Michael’s passion for victims was unparalleled, and his work to help them during the most difficult times of their lives will always be remembered,” says Robert Bracewell, chair of the Justice Coalition.
The restaurant, in partnership with Winston Family YMCA, is offering a “Couch to 5K” training program to help prepare a dozen or so lucky runners wishing to participate in the race.
You can register for the race, or the accompanying one-mile fun run, at http://1stplacesports.com/races/mooveit. And for information on the Y’s training program, contact Ryan Parker at rparker@fcymca.org.