Running Down the Walls 2023

Since 1999, prisoners and supporters throughout so-called North America, and recently in the UK, have participated in the annual event known as Running Down the Walls (RDTW) often running or walking simultaneously in many cities and prisons at once.

RDTW is a non-competitive 5K run/jog/walk/roll in order to raise awareness and funds for political prisoners. Over the years, we have raised thousands of dollars and lots of awareness around the struggle to free political prisoners. Many places will be hosting RDTW 2023 on Sunday, September 17th – see details on participating cities below.

Solidarity runs that are held in our communities are designed to illustrate, through several small collective actions, that we have not forgotten our comrades locked up behind prison walls. Runs that are held in prisons are designed to both politicize other prisoners and to illustrate that the acts of solidarity have been heard.

This annual event is also one of the primary fundraisers for the ABCF Warchest Program – a fund designed to assist political prisoners who normally receive little or no financial support with monthly stipends. A portion of funds raised also often go to support local groups of the organizers’ choosing– see event details below for specifics:

Planned Events in 2023

Los Angeles
September 17th from 10am – 1pm
Elysian Park Fields, Bishop Canyon (at the end of Park Road, near the park benches. Look for signs)
Donate

Philadelphia
September 17th at 11am sharp (Yoga warm-up at 10am)
FDR Park + remote participation
Registration deadline is September 3rd

NYC
WHEN: 2:00-7:00pm, September 17th
WHERE: Prospect Park– Lincoln Road/East Lake Drive, east of the Terrace Bridge
COST: $10 registration, participants encouraged to get sponsors (includes vegan BBQ afterwards)
Donate at paypal.me/nycabc venmo.com/nycabc or with the Cash App: $NYCABC

Lowell, Mass
September 17th at 11am
Boarding House Park at 40 French Street

Richmond, Virginia
September 17 – registration starts @10am, 5k starts @11am sharp, potluck picnic @1pm
Chimborazo Park (there will be a biking route & a running route)
Bring $20 cash for 5K; the picnic is free and you don’t need to participate in the 5k to come to the picnic.

Portland, Oregon
September 17 at 11am
$20 for 5k (includes BBQ); $30 for BBQ only
Meet under the Tilikum bridge (East side)

Fabulous prizes will be awarded to individual finishers and teams of 4! Childcare provided.