Ronald McDonald’s smile grew a little wider when he saw how much money the women of Alpha Delta Pi raised by holding their second annual “In Like a Lion” 5-K race on Saturday.
Last year, the sorority created the race as a means to raise funds for its national philanthropy, the Ronald McDonald House. The sorority had about 30 runners participate, but through increased advertising and word of mouth, they hoped for more participation.
There was more than 120 runners showing up this year, raising over $1,800 for the Ronald McDonald House.
“We’ve increased our numbers by over 400 percent,” Don Garrett with DG Productions said.
DG Productions helped the sorority coordinate and time the actual race. Garrett started the race with a gunshot and greeted the runners as they finished.
The runners not only came from Oklahoma State University and Stillwater, but also from around the state.
With the success of this race, race coordinator and Alpha Delta Pi member Amber Miller said she expects the women to hold the race again next year.
“We hope to be that much more successful with the run next year,” Miller said.
Miller said one of the reasons the race became a one-year success story is that it was so well planned.
“I started initial planning in November, and really started putting everything together in January,” she said. “I also got outside help from professionals.”
Miller said aside from DG Productions doing all their timing, Fleet Feet out of Tulsa donated the race numbers the runners wore, bags they took home with them and the store owner gave her numerous pieces of advice and tips.
Also, the professional way the race was held attracted runners, said Virginia Wallace, fire protection sophomore.
“The actual race course is a USATF course, so runners can use it for race times,” she said.
Awards were also given based on the USA Track and Field system, broken into ages and gender. The overall male winner was Chris Lewis, graphic design freshman, in 17 minutes 10 seconds, and the overall female winner was Tammy West, Stillwater resident, in a time of 20 minutes 57 seconds.
However, Wallace said setting up a standard USA Track and Field course isn’t as easy as it sounds.
“We had to contract with the city police and the OSU Police Department because it’s on city property as well as the university,” she said. “We also had to work a lot of things out with the city.”
They set up a standard course which started at Monroe Ave. and Hester St., going all the way out to Farm Ave., and ending at the entrance to the Student Union, less than 100 feet from where it began.
Runners remarked that the race was enjoyable and professional.
“It was really fun and it supports a great cause,” Joe St. John, recently elected SGA president, said. “It also shows community and university support.”
Other runners said they also noticed the organization and experience with which the race seemed to be held and explained why they chose to run.
“I ran in four or five races last year, and this one was very well done,” said Connie Hunter, Stillwater resident. “I think it’s great to benefit the Ronald McDonald cause, and exercise is always good.”
Although she will not be coordinating next year’s “In Like a Lion” race, Miller said she hopes the event continues running uphill for the women of Alpha Delta Pi.
Loading ...
All Articles