Run Laos Challenge for Human Trafficking Victims

PORTLAND, Ore. - Nov. 1, 2013 - PRLog -- Pakse, Laos — For the first time, an ultra-marathon relay — the Run Laos Challenge (http://runlaos.com/)— will be held in Laos starting this Friday, November 1-3, 2013. In this dramatic fundraising effort, three women will run 130 miles, covering three provinces of Laos, in three days — all to raise money to help support the victims of human trafficking in Laos. People from all over the world are already participating by becoming “virtual runners,” (at http://runlaos.com/Virtual_Runners.html) with their donations directly benefiting the Shelter Project, one of Village Focus International’s largest programs.

Here is an introduction to the three amazing women who are participating in the run:

Sirivanh (Siri) Ketavong is a former Lao Olympic runner who was the first Lao national to participate in the marathon event at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. She has participated in many major events including the 1994 and 1998 Asian Games, SEA Games XVII in Indonesia and SEA Games XVIII in Chiang Mai. Ketavong works for a hydro-power consulting company in Vientiane, Lao PDR.

Nang Nonnarath Dunn was born in Attapeu, Laos and currently lives in Beaverton, Oregon. The mother of three discovered a passion for running after having her second child. After the Run Laos Challenge, she will participate in her first 50 mile ultra-marathon in San Francisco. Dunn founded The VillageRun Foundation — a non-profit organization that provides rural Lao villages with better access to education through funds generated by hosting 5K run events.

Nancy Southasarn's family immigrated to Portland, Oregon from Laos shortly before she was born. Southasarn has participated in numerous marathons and half marathons throughout her life. She most recently won her category in both the 2011 and 2012 events in the 199 mile Hood to Coast Relay. Southasarn spent five years learning Asian cultures while teaching English abroad.

The course will begin in Pakse and follow 130 miles (209 kilometers) through beautifully scenic terrain — including the lush, green hillsides of Laos and the rural, indigenous Lao villages — ending in Attapeu Province. Anyone can follow the run on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RunLaos.

The Shelter Project is the beneficiary of the Run Laos Challenge. One of Village Focus International’s largest programs, the Shelter Project enables human trafficking victims to re-enter Lao society with enhanced skills and confidence, proffering a greater means of gainful employment in order to support themselves and their families — and to prevent being re-trafficked. Proceeds will help the Shelter continue to provide emotional and physical care to survivors of human trafficking. Supporters worldwide are participating by becoming “virtual runners” and pledging donations on behalf of the runners online at https://www.wepay.com/donations/run-laos-challenge-sponso....