Have you ever woken up early on a Saturday morning in a college town? It’s one of those rare moments when the entire campus is completely at rest. There are no students sunbathing in Pollock quad, the dining halls are closed and classes are non-existent.
But if you keep searching, you’ll be sure to find a crazy group of people chasing each other around campus. Sporting numbers on their stomachs and brightly colored shoes, runners from all over the State College area participate in races that are held right here at University Park.
The Coaches vs. Cancer 5K, held Saturday, March 17, had a turnout of around 200 runners, eager to run for a good cause. Most races are held as fundraisers, and this particular one benefitted the American Cancer Society.
While most races start ridiculously early, Coaches vs. Cancer realized that no college student wants to wake up before 10 a.m. on the weekend. Accordingly, the race started at 11 a.m. and the course went through the entire campus, starting and finishing at the IM Building.
If you missed out on the race, have no fear. Springtime is prime racing season and many other races are coming this way. On Saturday, March 31, Relay for Life is hosting a 5K that will also raise money for the American Cancer Society. The race begins at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park at 11 a.m.
You don’t have to be an intense runner to participate. Grab a group of friends, think of some funny team names (Victorious Secret, Wii Fit, Notorious C.U.R.E.) and form a team. Make fun T-shirts and jog through campus while raising money for a good cause.
Other 5K races coming up are Race Against Racism on March 25, April Fool’s on April 1 and the Special Olympics Beaver Stadium Run on April 22.
So lace up those running shoes and raise some money for a good cause! You’ll feel great knowing that you did something good for yourself and the community.
Photo by Ian Lopera
