Columbia residents will trade in their snow boots and winter coats for sneakers and race bibs on Saturday, March 1, as the True/False Film Fest kicks off its fourth annual True Life Run. The 5K starts at 9 a.m. at Flat Branch Park and continues through the streets of downtown Columbia.
The run will go on outside despite Columbia’s history of inconsistent weather. Run coordinator Patrick Hanson notes safety is one of his top priorities and he has been checking the weather on a regular basis. Hanson says although his team had to deal with a snowy trail last year, they still managed to pull off the outdoor race, and he’s even considering incorporating some “snow course” into this year’s trail if weather becomes an issue.
Like most True/False Film Fest events, the True Life Run is far from conventional. In years past, the unique race has included different “challenges” along the course that have included obstacle courses, trivia and spontaneous dance parties. This year’s tests will be revealed the week of the run and will feature a secret challenge that will be unveiled the morning of the run.
“(The run) fits really well in with the True/False atmosphere,” Hanson says. “We love having the quirky style.”
The winners will receive Lux passes to next year’s True/False weekend in addition to prizes from local businesses.
The race benefits the True Life Fund, which provides aid to real subjects of nonfiction documentaries. In 2013, the fund was able to raise $36,760, of which $20,000 went to Reporters Instructed In Saving Colleagues, a foundation that gives basic medical training to war correspondents. The remainder of the money was donated to The Milton Margai School for the Blind.
This year, the fund will be benefitting those involved with a film focusing on survivors of domestic abuse titled “Private Violence.” The film “exposes the complex obstacles that stand between a survivor of abuse and freedom as well as dispels destructive myths about domestic violence,” according to [truefalse.org](http://truefalse.org/).
Hanson says that in years past, individuals involved with the True Life Fund film have attended the run itself, and runners were able to interact with the filmmakers and subjects of the film.
“We are really excited to be able to partner with this film this year,” Hanson says.
Hanson expects about 200-300 participants in this year’s run.
“(The run is) a great way to raise money for a great cause and great way to really enjoy the atmosphere of True/False,” Hanson says.
Online registration for the run will end at 10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28. Registration costs $25 and includes the run itself, a T-shirt and breakfast after the run. You can still register on-site Saturday morning, but the price will increase to $30.
