Stepping out in support
The annual Wear Your Wings 5K event raises awareness about domestic violence and funds to help victims.
Marty Smith, Madison Thurman and Karla Brantley Wilson, left to right, pose together during the Wear Your Wings 5K Fun Run/Walk at the College of Central Florida in Ocala, Fla. on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2025.
The skies were still dark the morning of Oct. 11 when a crowd of participants, many clad in purple, spilled onto the campus of the College of Central Florida for the annual Wear Your Wings 5K Fun Run/Walk.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The color purple has long been associated with the cause.
The annual local event is organized by the Marion County Children’s Alliance’s Family Violence Prevention Workgroup to raise awareness about domestic violence and funds to help local victims.
According to workgroup coordinator Monica Bryant, there were about 120 registered runners. The overall female winner was Lauren Godwin and the overall male winner was Daniel Winters Jr. Medals were awarded to first, second and third place winners in each age group.
“Proceeds will be used to continue providing emergency resources and services to victims and survivors of domestic violence in our community,” Bryant said.
“We encourage anyone in an abusive relationship to call our 24-hour local domestic violence hotline at (352) 722-2272. If they are outside of Marion County, they can call (800) 500-1119. To get involved with the Family Violence Prevention Workgroup, call us at (352) 438-5990,” Bryant added.
To find the complete race statistics, go to https://runsignup.com/race/results/181756
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