Oregon Community Rallies to Combat Sex Trafficking with 5K Obstacle Course

HAPPY VALLEY, Ore. - Sept. 3, 2025 - PRLog -- At the heart of one of the most significant hubs for sex trafficking in the United States, one community in Oregon is taking a stand. According to national data, Oregon ranks among the top 10 states for reported sex trafficking victims, a statistic that has spurred residents and businesses in Happy Valley into action.

On Saturday, September 27, 2025, the community will unite for the Path to Freedom 5K, a one-of-a-kind obstacle course event raising awareness and funds to fight sex trafficking in Oregon and across the U.S.

Unlike traditional 5Ks, the Path to Freedom course features 18 mission-inspired obstacles across 3.1 miles, each designed to stimulate the mental and physical resilience needed to overcome oppression and adversity, echoing the struggles many victims of trafficking face. All proceeds from the race will go towards Guardian Group (https://guardiangroup.org/), a national nonprofit founded in Oregon that is dedicated to protecting women and children from domestic sex trafficking.

"When I found out how prevalent trafficking is right here in our own state, I couldn't look away," said Joel Kastel, owner of GenTerra and race director. "This race is my way of supporting a group doing important work and giving others the chance to do the same."

Guardian Group's impact expands well beyond Oregon. The organization has helped law enforcement identify over 1,300 potential victims of sex trafficking across the U.S. By providing validated sex trafficking leads at no cost to agencies, Guardian Group strengthens investigations and accelerates victim recovery.

But as CEO Jeff Keith explains, their success depends on community partnerships: "What Joel and the Happy Valley community are doing is exactly what we need more of–people using their passion, creativity, and resources to bring this hidden crime into the light."

Even local businesses, including Mr. Tree, Infinity Images, and Supply Source, Inc. are joining the cause, demonstrating the power of community when it comes together for something bigger than itself.

"Every step taken in this race represents a step toward freedom for someone who desperately needs it," says Keith.

Race Details:

• Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
• Location: 17980 SE Foster Rd. Happy Valley, OR 97086
• Race Type: 5K Spartan-Style Obstacle Course
• Check In Time: 9:00 AM
• Registration: https://runsignup.com/Race/OR/HappyValley/PathToFreedom

Why It Matters:

Every muddy crawl, rope climb, and tire flip fuels Guardian Group's life-changing work. By tackling this challenging course, you're taking a stand, raising funds, and breaking the chains of trafficking, one step at a time.

Get Involved:

Sign up for the race, make a donation, or encourage others to participate. Whether you're running, volunteering, sponsoring, or simply spreading the word, your involvement makes a real difference. Together, we move closer to a future where every woman and child is safe and free.