Teen and young adult dating relationships, whether they are healthy or unhealthy, "sets the pattern for life," one teen told Karen Bontrager, founder and organizer of the second annual No Fear in Love Race at George Mason University.
While Bontrager admits the impetus of the race was in part the murder of Yeardley Love, rather than dwell on the tragic, the No Fear in Love Race is designed to celebrate healthy dating relationships and to teach teens and young adults how to avoid unhealthy ones. Race time is at sunrise on Feb. 25, signifying movement from darkness to light.
More Information
No Fear in Love Race
Where: George Mason University, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030
When: Saturday, Feb. 25, at sunrise, (6:45 a.m.)
Why: To celebrate healthy dating relationships
How: To register and for more information, http://nofearinlove…
The No Fear in Love Race is part of Bontrager’s efforts to stimulate conversations about healthy relationships. Research indicates that as many as one out of four teens and young adults aged 16 to 24 are involved in violent dating relationships. Bontrager wants the three out of four to teach the others.
The No Fear in Love Race will give boys and girls a voice about something that they care about: the promotion of healthy dating relationships.
Bontrager hopes to raise $3,000 from the No Fear in Love Race, enough to pay one year’s tuition at George Mason University for a dating abuse survivor. A youth council will choose the recipient.