Joy & Justice 5k

Join us for the Race for Joy & Justice 5K, a family-friendly run/walk event benefiting the Joy & Justice organization based in Timnath, Colorado. This exciting event brings together people of all ages and abilities to support Joy & Justice’s mission of providing experiences of joy for children and their safe parent recovering from domestic violence while helping to make the justice system safer for kids. 

Whether you're a seasoned runner or a casual walker, the 5K offers a scenic course through Timnath's beautiful landscapes. You'll experience a day filled with joy, camaraderie, and a sense of purpose as you help make a tangible difference in our community.

The proceeds from this event will go directly to funding Joy & Justice's initiatives, including birthday parties, tickets to fun events, small local trips, extra curricular activities, and more in order to promote healing for survivors of domestic violence. By participating, you’ll not only get a great workout but also contribute to a meaningful cause that transforms lives and creates lasting change.

Bring your friends, family, and even your furry companions, and join us in running for a brighter, more just future!

Join us Sunday, September 27th, 2026
10:00am 5k Run/Walk
11:00am Kids Fun Run
12:00pm Awards followed by Food and Fun

Your story 

Put the application information and links here

Day of event timeline here!

Packet Pickup/Registration
5k start
Kids Fun Run start
Awards
Music
Festival 

Joy
As a single mom and a survivor of domestic violence, Joy & Justice's founder Erica leaned on her strong network of family and friends to help raise her daughters in a loving community. Through the generosity of her support network, she was able to focus on a life of joy with her girls, experiencing wonderful trips and moments with them—memories that she can treasure and keep with her forever. 

This inspired Joy & Justice's mission of bringing experiences of joy to survivors of domestic violence and their children. Joyful activities can offer hope and enjoyment in the midst of challenging situations and enhance positive relationships between mothers and their children. These opportunities allow mothers and their children a fun and meaningful way to heal.  

Joy & Justice partners with survivors of domestic violence and their children for a whole year to offer several experiences of joy – to bring a glimmer of hope and healing into challenging life situations.

Examples of opportunities: 

birthday parties at a fun location
tickets to local games, museums, and zoos
extra-curricular activities for children, including sport participation, lessons etc. 
These activities are led by availability of opportunity, funds, and, of course, the child’s interests!

Leveraging our local, community-based partnerships we take referrals for qualified individuals to offer opportunities to create more joyful experiences in their daily lives.

Justice
According to 2022 statistics published by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, in Colorado alone there were 94 deaths related to domestic violence. The lack of education about what constitutes "domestic violence" within the legal and justice system has led to disastrous consequences. Individuals involved in the court decision process, even trained psychologists, miss the signs and put children in the care of their abuser. Many individuals are manipulated by the abuser who presents one demeanor to the public and a different one behind closed doors.

Utilizing Joy & Justice's founder Erica’s personal knowledge and experience, we are bringing greater awareness by educating others about the signs of domestic violence and its prevalence in communities in Colorado and across the United States. The Justice Program is focused on sending Erica to meetings and conferences to share her lived experience and knowledge of domestic violence to those involved in decision making within the judicial system. One conference attendee stated “ I just finished a session for work and Erica was one of the presenters. Please pass on how courageous and well received her presentation was. She had a felt impact on us and should be commended.”

Previous speaking engagements include:

COAFCC- Colorado Association of Family and Conciliation Courts -- Topic; Trauma and Recovery with Julie Field
Colorado Courts Standing Committee on Family Issues.    -- Personal experience shared with the  CO court system
JAG- Judicial Arbitrators Group of Colorado.      --  Domestic Violence Training  -- with Julie Field and Vicki Lutz
Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board - CO Attorney General's office -- Personal Experience shared
Fort Collins Police Domestic Violence High Risk Team -- Personal Experience shared
Alternatives to Violence Annual Purple Ribbon Breakfast -- Personal Experience shared
2024 Domestic Relations Probate Institute -- Presented with Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board Members

If you are interested in having Erica share her story to your group of judges, child custody evaluators, attorneys or other decision making parties in the court system, please contact Joy & Justice at contact@joyandjusticeco.org.  Include the following in your request: Time, Date and Location of event, expected audience, and number of attendees.

Sponsor ads, info and

 links here

Packet Pickup locations, time line and information here

All frequently asked questions go here:

I.e. dog policy

Stroller policy

Common course questions and answers

Anything participants need to know here

Giveaway photos and info here!

All route info, maps and aid station info:

View the Joy & Justice 5k Route: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2743027