Hundreds in Sammamish Walk, run and Bike at the Seek Justice Challenge

Several hundred competitors came out early on Saturday morning to take part in the ’s Seek Justice Challenge and help raise money for the International Justice Mission.

Competitors took part in their choice of a 5K walk, a 10K run, or two different cycling events. There was also a kids' fun run for younger participants.

The day’s festivities included live music, lunch and a program detailing the efforts of the International Justice Mission, which works to end modern day slavery and human trafficking.

Issaquah’s Mat Philipsen served as race director and took part in the 10K run. 

“The music’s great, it’s been great weather, we had a bigger turnout than we expected,” Philipsen said. “It’s been a really fun event.”

This was the third year for the Seek Justice Challenge, and according to the church the event was bigger than ever.

“It’s still kind of in its infancy but it’s growing every year,” said Lisa Stinson, communications director for the Sammamish Presbyterian Church.

Stinson said that the event grew 40 percent in its second year and another 20 percent this year.

Stinson said that the church decided to help support the International Justice Mission in part because of its holistic approach to ending modern day slavery.

“They don’t just rescue the victims, they go in and change the legal system and prosecute perpetrators,” Stinson said.

Stinson said that because the church covers the cost of organizing the Seek Justice Challenge all of the money raised finds its way to the International Justice Mission.

“A hundred percent of the registration fees go directly to the cause,” Stinson said.

Many of the event’s participants came out not just for their love of running or cycling but because they believe in that cause.

“I thought it was awesome to be able to keep up on my running and support a good cause,” said Jennifer Zebroski, who came out from Mercer Island with a group of friends.

Zebroski was already familiar with the International Justice Mission and said that its efforts to free people trapped in lives as sex workers and other types of slavery really resonated with her.

“I’m just kind of passionate about setting those people free,” she said.