Read report-backs from other RDTW 2024 events on the Anarchist Black Cross Federation website 

On Sunday, September 15th, over 60 participants of all ages gathered in Eugene at the Owen Rose Garden. The event sponsor, NAC (Neighborhood Anarchist Collective), along with local organizations WVAP (Willamette Valley Abolition Project) and Eugene Jail Support joined the festivities. Food not Bombs provided snacks, and there was a tshirt-making station. The emcee gave opening remarks while wearing hot pink roller skates.

Participants took turns reading prisoner statements and then took off along the scenic 5K route which followed the Willamette River. Along the route, Solidaritea offered participants iced tea and water. Volunteer medics were on standby. As participants returned from completing the 5K they were greeted with cheers. Over $1000 was raised to be split between local A15 defendants and the ABCF Warchest.

What is RDTW? Running Down the Walls is a non-competitive run/walk/roll 5K event where people inside and outside of prisons run/walk/roll in solidarity with prisoners everywhere. It is both a fundraiser and a protest against mass incarceration. This event brings us closer together, strengthens our bond, and lets people behind bars know they are not forgotten.

Since 1999, prisoners and supporters throughout Turtle Island, and recently in the UK, have participated in the annual Running Down the Walls event. It is the primary fundraiser for the Anarchist Black Cross Federation (ABCF) Warchest, a fund designed to assist political prisoners. Funds raised are typically split between the ABCF Warchest and a recipient chosen by the local hosts. Each year, incarcerated comrades participate by running, walking, or otherwise exercising at the same time as us –from behind bars.