The second annual C. Clyde Run/Fun Run/Walk was held on Saturday and participants throughout the community of all ages and abilities were welcome. The event had race routes set throughout K-State’s campus ranging from 1 mile, 5K and 10K.
Kristen Brunkow, senior in gerontology, said she has enjoyed participating the past two years.
“I ran the 10K last year and this year I ran the 5K,” Brunkhow said. “It’s beautiful to run on campus; you always see something different. This year I saw a baby llama behind Z lot. At the end, everyone cheers you across the finish line and there were even free massages.”
In 2012 the College of Business Administration hosted the first inaugural “Fun Run” to honor the college’s first dean, C. Clyde Jones, who Chance Berndt, junior in marketing and race director for Business Ambassadors, described as “an outstanding individual.” The proceeds from the race benefited Shepherd’s Crossing, a faith based organization that helps people with budget counseling, referrals, financial support and other services to the St. George and Fort Riley area. 2012’s race had 200 racers and 48 sponsors, raising a total of $13,500 for Shepherd’s Crossing. In addition, they received $16,183 in total sponsorships including $5,593 in gifts for t-shirts, food and prizes.
The 2013 race had 85 participants and 25 sponsors. The participation of all involved made a large impact on the success and improvement of the event over the past two years.
“We were very thankful to have Manhattan Running Company there to do the timing for us [because] that was something we struggled with last year,” said Krista Poore, senior in management and a business ambassador. “I would like to see more participation from the student body and maybe involving marketing club to do some marketing for the event.”
The ambassadors worked with Shepherd’s Crossing personally on all aspects for the fundraiser from planning to actually running the event.
“They’re very, very committed,” Berndt said about Shepherd’s Crossing. “The work that they do every day helps others in our community in a very real way. But when you throw Clyde into the equation, there’s nothing they wouldn’t do for him. It’s an honor to have worked with them this year, and it’s the reason we’re already looking forward to working with them next year.”
