Lace up your sneakers and wear pink: IN OUR BACKYARD (IOB) invites Bend and all of Central Oregon to join the 3rd Annual Speak Up Pink Duck 5K on Sunday, June 7, 2026 at 11:00 AM at the Athletic Club of Bend. This family-friendly, all-ages event raises awareness and funds to equip Central Oregon students with life-saving knowledge about trafficking prevention through the Teens Against Trafficking community program.
More Than a Race: The Pink Duck Challenge
At each mile marker, participants pick up a pink rubber duck, a symbol of a trusted adult in their life. But the Pink Duck Challenge goes far deeper than a fun gimmick. Many abusers and traffickers first present themselves as trusted figures. IOB’s program helps students recognize when a trusted relationship turns unsafe, understand what to do in that moment, and know critically that they have nothing to be ashamed of. Participants are encouraged to tell three people what they learned, connect our community to the national resource hotline, and spread awareness one conversation at a time. All ages participate.
Can’t Make It In Person? Waddle Your Own Way.
The race is also available for virtual participation from June 7 to June 14. Waddle wherever you are!
Why It Matters: Wear pink. Run to protect their freedom. Prevention starts with awareness.
●2,500 Central Oregon students are protected each year through the Teens
Against Trafficking Program.
●NCMEC reported 19 missing kids recovered at the Super Bowl through
collaborative partnerships within one week of the game.
Event Details
Date: Sunday, June 7, 2026 Location: Athletic Club of Bend — 61615 Athletic Club Bend Drive, Bend, OR Schedule: 10:00 AM – Registration opens | 11:00 AM – 5K begins
$30 includes a race t-shirt. Register: www.InOurBackyard.org
About In Our Backyard (IOB): In Our Backyard is a national nonprofit anti-trafficking leader with more than 17 years of experience in the fight against sex and labor trafficking. Through its efforts, IOB empowers communities to prevent trafficking and creates actionable pathways to freedom.
This story is based on submitted information and has not been verified by our news team.
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