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By LIZZIE BOWEN | Staff Writer

PELHAM – The Blanket Fort Hope organization will be holding a 5k to 10k run for victims of human trafficking. Runners may choose and register for either the 5k or 10k.

The “Hold the Fort” race will be held Saturday, Sept. 17 at 8 a.m. and will begin at the Oak Mountain State Park.

The “Blanket Fort Hope” is a nonprofit organization raising proceeds for children who have become victims of trafficking.

CEO and founder Alexis Likis James has high hopes for the race this year and is pleased with the response from the community.

“We are very excited. This will be our fourth annual run,” James said. “We have a lot of different people who show up in the community [for the race] and we are expecting anywhere from 150-200 [to come.] We have people coming from Texas, Mississippi, and Atlanta. ”

The event has extended to people far beyond the Shelby County area.

“We have people all over the southeast coming.” James said.

There are a variety of options for those wanting to participate.

“We have a mile fun run, 5k, and 10k.” James said.

More information can be found about Blanket Fort Hope at Blanketforthope.org and registration is held at Holdthefortraces.com