Some of last year’s walkers Women in Law at USC Law School will host Race Judicata, a charitable five–kilometer race the group began hosting approximately 20 years ago. This race will be Saturday, February 20, at 10 am.

Race Judicata is a pun based on the Latin term, res judicata, which means a matter is final. And for Women in Law, it’s final — the group and their supporters are running in order to help their community.

Vice President of Women in Law, current race chair and second year USC Law School student, Evelyn Mitchell said the organization decided to support Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands and The Women’s Shelter this year. “Both are amazing causes that are under–funded,” she said.

Mitchell thinks the organizations’ struggle for funding is a result of a struggling economy, but runners are still lining up to race for charity. As of Monday, approximately 125 people were signed up to race. The proceeds collected from the registration fees are funding the outreach efforts. Runners can pay the $20 registration fee or a $25 fee if they want a T–shirt.

But local businesses are also sponsoring the race. Various construction firms, veterinarians, and restaurants are supporting the cause. Mitchell says the Young Lawyers division of the S.C. Bar Association has been one of the biggest supporters, with a donation of $1,000.

Runners may sign up online at www.strictlyrunning. com or in person, the morning of the race that begins and ends at Hand Middle School located at 2600 Wheat Street.

Those who don’t want to race but would still like to contribute may send their checks to Women in Law at 701 Main Street, Columbia, S.C. 29208. Make a note in the memo line that the check is a donation for the Sexual Trauma Services and The Women’s Shelter. Proceeds will be divided between the two organizations.

For more information, call Evelyn Mitchell at 843- 441-3147.