Men run in stilettos for domestic abuse awareness

Cheering men with pained expressions took to the streets Saturday, running up and down North Jordan Avenue in stilettos.

It was a sea of red and black as about 60 relay teams competed in the first annual “A Walk in Her Shoes,” a relay race sponsored by Alpha Chi Omega to raise money for the local Middle Way House — a nonprofit domestic violence shelter.

“Every donation, every T-shirt sold, everything, it all went straight to the Middle Way House,” philanthropy chairwoman and junior Doni Tavel said. “We have a nice check to write.”

The event raised more than $4,000, but Tavel said last-minute donations are still being accepted and calculated.

The race itself went faster than expected she said. The first team clocked in at a little more than seven minutes, nearly sliding into the finish with the support of excited spectators.

The winning team, composed of both greeks and non-greeks, stood around after the race joking about their strategy — using shake-weights and yoga, among other things — to help them prepare for the painful race.

“I really didn’t think they were going to win,” said sophomore Alpha Chi member Grace Smith, who assembled the team. “They had been talking like, ‘Oh we’re gonna win,’ but it was not expected.”

Several men who participated — clad in several pairs of thick socks under the heels — said the act of running in heels was difficult but less painful
than expected.

“It was tough,” sophomore Mike Briggs said. “I definitely have a lot of respect for women all over the place.”

Briggs said his team finished in about 30th place, a feat he is proud of. He also said he was grateful they did not finish last.

“It was a solid finish,” he said.

Upon the race’s completion, members of Alpha Chi collected each pair of stilettos. The sorority, Tavel said, purchased the shoes specially for the race and races to come.

“We figured it was something of an investment piece that we’ll use for years to come,” she said. “But boys do a lot of damage in heels when they try to walk in them, so we’re going to have to replace some of them for next year.”

The race was only the beginning of a day of celebration and awareness. Before the noon start, executive officers from the Middle Way House spoke about domestic violence and the importance of women’s shelters.

Following the race, IU’s First Lady Laurie Burns McRobbie, thanked Alpha Chi and the participants for a successful and exciting fundraiser.

She said during her address that it was the best five minutes of her life.
Members of the sorority thanked Tavel and her co-chairwoman, junior Kenzie Klinger, for their hard work. Sorority members also thanked the sponsors and announced winners and prizes.

During the philanthropy event, Red Bull representatives walked between crowds to pass out shots of the company’s signature energy drink, while representatives from Nintendo set up a display in the sorority’s front yard.

A line snaked between teams and displays, as volunteers grilled food for
participants and spectators while live performances by local band The Pharos and several dance teams provided entertainment.

“Other than the broken ankle scares, it’s been fun.” Briggs said. “There were a lot of laughs, and I think it’s good that sororities are coming up with more interesting ways to raise money.”