Freedom 5K takes off in Coeur d'Alene

COEUR d’ALENE — People running in Safe Harbor’s Freedom 5K at Riverstone Park in Coeur d’Alene on Saturday shared a common vision for their community.  

“Those that want to keep the community safe are the reason we’re here,” said Jeri Pleticha, the vice president of Safe Harbor’s Board.  

Safe Harbor, a North Idaho nonprofit organization founded in 2022, provides resources and support to survivors of human trafficking in addition to raising awareness. Proceeds from Saturday’s Freedom 5K help support Safe Harbor's 24-hour resource line, which is operated by experienced staff members.  

Safe Harbor has also begun working with cultivation counseling to provide immediate, trauma-informed care to survivors.

More than 60 community members ran this year, which marked Safe Harbor’s third Freedom 5K event. Seven vendors offering food and resources also set up in Riverstone Park.  

“We’re here to help raise awareness and donate to a great cause,” said Dr. Alicia Spiess from Pediatric Direct Primary Care at Optimal Living Institute in Coeur d’Alene. 

Also in attendance was Dan Wilson, who is running for Kootenai County Sheriff.  

“If we as Americans can’t protect the most vulnerable among us, then who are we as Americans?” Wilson said. 

Safe Harbor founder and president Angie Sedore described human trafficking as a “pervasive and growing threat” to North Idaho when she spoke to runners ahead of the race.  

“Every single person here today can call themselves a community protector,” Sedore said. 

Resources for survivors of human trafficking are reachable around the clock at 208-514-2971. 

    Allison Fruci and her dog, Theo, ran Saturday's 5K to celebrate Theo's 6th birthday.
  

    Safe Harbor founder and president Angie Sedore speaks to the runners ahead of Saturday's Freedom 5K run.