FAMILY HEALTH Strides for

PANDEMIC, it can be a challenge to find safe, engaging ways to exercise and socialize as a family.

Strides for Social Justice, a program developed by PeaceHealth in partnership with Eugene Marathon, is a great option. It provides a way for kids and adults to learn about local Black history while getting outside and exploring the neighborhoods of Eugene.

The centerpiece of Strides for Social Justice is a free, downloadable app that offers self-guided tours to various landmarks that highlight the contributions and milestones of Eugene’s Black residents, while bringing to light the hardships and injustices many have faced.

In February, during Black History Month, two new routes on the University of Oregon campus will be launched – bringing the total number of routes available to seven. The other tours cover parts of downtown Eugene, Skinner Butte, south Eugene, Westmoreland Park and west Eugene.

The idea for Strides for Social Justice arose when the pandemic forced the cancellation of the April 2020 Eugene Marathon events, including the 5K and kids’ run.

DPeaceHealth and Eugene Marathon began brainstorming ways to enhance our community’s physical and mental health while contributing to a more socially just and unified Eugene-Springfield. The result was Strides for Social Justice. A diverse steering committee of local educators, lawmakers and other community leaders helped shape the program and decide which stories to tell. Take a moment to download the Strides for Social Justice app, available on iOS and Android app stores, and begin your journey. More information is available online at stridesforsocialjustice.org.