Get your sneakers and water bottles ready because there’s about to be a 5K coming your way.
The University and the Reserve Officer’s Training Corps (ROTC) program will host their first 5K run on Oct. 27, which will benefit student cadets, soldiers and their families.
Rich Dolan, cadet battalion commander and the cadet in charge here at the University, has already gathered over 15 organizations to participate, such as members of Greek Life, L.A.S.O., and SJU’s Running Club.
“We’ve reached out to these organizations and have already gathered at least 70 registered and paid participants, which is a lot for the event being posted two weeks ago”, Dolan said.
All proceeds of this event will be going to both the ROTC’s Red Storm Battalion, which will help student cadets at the University and The Task Force Dagger Foundation, which will assist U.S. Army Special Operations soldiers and their families.
Each of these organizations are broken up into different categories that will indicate what team they are on. For students who are not a part of an organization, but are choosing to be a part of this individually, they will be under the category of “SJU Student.”
The organization that receives the most participates and volunteers before October 27th will receive a trophy the day of the race.
In support of this event, the ROTC gathered sponsors from five outside businesses, such as New Generation Barber Shop, and sponsors from foundations such as the Task Force Dagger Foundation.
“I want organizations and students to look at this event and say ‘Wow, I really want to be a part of this next year,” Dolan said.
Members of ROTC have made signing up for this event quick and simple. On Oct. 24, there will be tables set up in both Marillac food court and the D’Angelo Center with computers that will allow access to the sign-up website. The student fees for the event are $10 and $20 for non-students. Military members also pay a fee of $10. Participants will receive a free T-shirt, a meal and other post-event entertainment perks.
“This is an event that is completely student based, and started from an idea that Rich had,” Paul Lazauskas, associate director for community relations, said. “We really hope for this to be a springboard year for this event.”
The “Red Storm 5K” will be starting at 8:45 A.M. on at DAC Plaza, where it will take its route down Union Turnpike to Cunningham Park, and back to campus. The deadline for registration for this event is October 26th. For any prospective members, just go to the Facebook page www.facebook.com/RedStorm5k
