When Tara Grant was murdered in 2007, the story made national headlines and hit a little too close to home for many Oakland and Macomb county residents. Turning Point and OU-Macomb are working together to raise awareness of stories like Grant’s which have become all too common.

The Tara Grant Memorial 5k Run/3k Walk will be held Saturday, September 26 at Stony Creek Metropark in Shelby Township. OU students, faculty, alumni and their families who pre-register for the event can participate for a reduced fee of $15 rather than the standard $25. OU-Macomb is supporting the event.

The Tara Grant Memorial 5k was started two years ago by the family of Tara Grant and non-profit organization Turning Point, which helps victims of domestic violence. Tara Grant, a Washington Township resident, was murdered by her husband in February 2007.

Lisa Brancato, director of development for Turning Point, said that Tara Grant’s family wanted to do something that could raise awareness of domestic abuse. She said Turning Point began the memorial 5k as a way to remember Tara Grant as well as raise funds for the Tara Grant Liberation Fund, which provides emergency funds for women who are victims of domestic abuse. Turning Point works towards ending domestic abuse and helping victims and survivors “regain control of their lives.”

“[The purpose of this event] is really two-fold,” Brancato said. First, we are creating awareness, and second, the event kicks off Domestic Violence Awareness Month.” Domestic Violence Awareness Month is a nationwide event beginning in October.

Participants in the event can either run or walk the course, with the walk starting shortly after the run begins at 10 a.m. There is also a short course for children, and all kids 12 and under can participate for free.

Those interested in registering for the Memorial 5k can find more information at oakland.edu/macomb/runwalk. Registration is also available at the event, although OU students are only eligible for the discounted entry fee if they pre-register.

“Come to be a part of this, if just to be a part of the community, get out and get some exercise, and support a good cause,” Brancato said.