Freedom 5K starts in Coeur d'Alene

COEUR d'ALENE – People who ran in Safe Harbor's Freedom 5K at Riverstone Park in Coeur d'Alene on Saturday shared a common vision for their community.

“Those who want to keep the community safe are the reason we are here,” said Jeri Pleticha, vice president of the Safe Harbor board.

Safe Harbor, a North Idaho nonprofit founded in 2022, provides resources and support for survivors of human trafficking and raises awareness. Proceeds from Saturday's Freedom 5K support Safe Harbor's 24-hour resource line, operated by experienced staff.

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

More than 60 community members participated this year, marking Safe Harbor's third Freedom 5K event. Riverstone Park is also home to seven vendors offering food and resources.

“We are here to raise awareness and donate to a good cause,” said Dr. Alicia Spiess of 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 cannot 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 northern Idaho as she spoke to runners before the race.

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

Resources for human trafficking survivors are available 24/7 at 208-514-2971.

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

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