The Lubbock Rape Crisis Center hosted their annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes race where men would walk a mile in high heels around the county courthouse. The race included men from the sheriff’s office, local firefighters, Little Guys Movers, and victims of rape.
Lubbock resident, Liam Armstrong, said he came out to do the race because his girlfriend was a victim of rape last year.
“It’s the first time I’ve been out here, and my girlfriend is out here, too,” Armstrong said. “I think it’s a really good cause, it’s just kind of funny, too, to see all these men walking around in heels. I’ve never walked in heels before; I’m kind of nervous. Hopefully I’ll finish, but my legs will probably be sore.”
Groups such as the United Way Youth Division and Starbucks handed out hamburgers and drinks after the race began.
Kaitlin York, a junior at Lubbock High School and a member of the United Way Youth Division, said the Crisis Center was really creative in constructing the race.
“The race not only raises awareness, but I think it’s fun that the guys have to wear heels,” York said. “It’s different and more fun than just the ordinary walk, especially with it being a mile.”
Stacy Lambright, sexual assault therapeutic counselor for Lubbock Rape Crisis Center, has participated in the event for several years before she worked for the Rape Crisis Center. She said their main goal for the race is to bring awareness to sexual assault and bring light to a situation that not only affects the victim but it affects everyone in their world.
“They all have strategies,” she said. “Some of the guys who’ve been doing it for a while, they have their feet taped and some will wear socks and some will wear straps. It’s really kind of fun to watch them come and pick out their shoes, and then some even decorate their shoes. It’s just kind of the light-hearted way to bring attention to a really serious issue.”
Lambright said it’s amazing to see businesses and others from the community come together to support the cause, and participants who raise over $100 were recognized at their after party.
“All of the guys in high heel shoes they pay $25 to register and then a lot of them like Little Guys Movers have pledges, so they’ve raised several 100 dollars,” Lambright said. “There were two shifts from the sheriff’s department. One shift raised $800 to make the other wear dresses to the race.”
Lambright said the Rape Crisis Center chose the courthouse as their location for the race for the sense of justice. She said every year there is always a story that touches her heart.
“As the counselor, I see a lot of women that come through my office bringing their families here to the race and just their families walking together is empowering,” Lambright said. “I saw one last year that was really touching, it was an older gentleman he was in his full biker attire and he had his little granddaughter’s hand and they were walking and he couldn’t make it in the shoes so he carried the shoes in one hand and then he walked and held her hand with his other.”
Chase Porter, an employee for Little Guys Movers, said it was his first year to participate and he will absolutely do it again next year even though his calves were sore after the race.
“I won’t take walking in heels for granted again, but it was a lot of fun to do the race,” Porter said. “ I think it will be a great thing overall for people to see, to just witness it going on. It’s great coming out here to help the community, were not the only business that comes out here and helps. It’s just great to have everyone come together for something so good.”
Matthew Powell, Lubbock County District Attorney, said he has participated in the race every year they’ve had it, and he is happy to do anything he can to draw some awareness to this crime.
“I wouldn’t change a thing about the race, it’s perfect; I am reminded once a year why I never wear high heels and I have a new respect for my wife,” Powell said. “I hope victims get a measure of support I hope they get a little bit of encouragement that there are people that do care about what they’re going through and what they’ve been through.”
Powell said he thinks the location in front of the courthouse is a strong symbol of justice and empowerment.
“I hope it just draws awareness to this crime I hope it draws awareness to the victims of this crime. And that we just give them a little measure of hope and encouragement when they see the whole Lubbock community come out to support them.”
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