One way to kickstart a great homecoming weekend is partaking in the 3rd annual Homecoming 5K Fun Run and Walk.
The 5K is sponsored by Culinary Services, who will provide granola and other various snacks at the end of the race. The course begins at the OU Golf and Tennis Center, travels along the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway and finishes back at the golf and tennis center. The entire course will be paved, so it will be accessible for participants using wheelchairs or strollers for the race.
The Homecoming 5K will also feature music, balloons and warm up stretches from some of OU’s Ping Recreation Center instructors.
Registration closes on Oct. 12, $20 for OU students, $25 for OU faculty, staff and alumni and $30 for Athens residents.
The 5K was started three years ago by a fitness graduate assistant for the Rita LaValley Student Support fund that provides opportunities for student scholarships and professional development funding.
“In a way this is like giving back to our students,” Emma Clark, coordinator for Reservations and Events at OU Ping Recreation Center, said. “A portion of the proceeds go back to our students and developing our students into the great student employees that they are, and then professional development opportunities.”
The event will be held Saturday at 8 a.m. starting at the OU golf course.
“It will continue to be an event that we like to host and it is a way we can contribute to the homecoming festivities as well,” Clark said. “It is a different way of partaking in the homecoming festivities in an active and healthy way.”
For some, the 5K provides an opportunity to get out and exercise an activity they enjoy.
“I like running distances that are miles,” Kevin Leneghan, a freshman studying accounting, said. “This is my first year running it, so I’m really excited.”
Others are looking forward to getting back in the practice of running, even if it’s just for fun.
“I ran track and used to run distance so I feel like this will be a fun experience for me,” Jimmy Osborne, a freshman studying finance, said.
