Collegiate Times

Despite the rainy weather this past weekend, fraternity Phi Kappa Tau and sorority Pi Beta Phi hosted their first PhiveK, a five-kilometer race on Virginia Tech's campus, on Saturday afternoon.

Joe Whitebread, a senior civil engineer and member of Phi Kappa Tau, estimated that the event earned roughly $500 for its philanthropy, Hole in the Wall. The same amount was raised for Pi Beta Phi's philanthropy, Links to Literacy, which helps promote literacy in children.

"Hole in the Wall is a camp for sick and terminally ill children, in which they can experience things they would not otherwise be able to experience," said junior political science major Ethan Wechtaluk, philanthropy chair for Phi Kappa Tau, "It also was founded by Paul Newman, a Phi Kappa Tau alumnus."

The race began in the morning at 10 a.m. and started at the Duckpond field off of West Campus Drive. It followed the Virginia Tech cross-country course, ending at the gazebo next to the Duckpond.

Competitors could run as individuals or as teams of five people. There were nearly 100 participants competing in the race, which was won by freshman Bobby Vance.

Wechtaluk said that Run-About Sports, located in University Mall, donated materials for the race such as flags and race clocks.

"I was pleased with the turnout of the event, although the weather hampered things. I know where to make improvements next year to make the race better and more efficient.  However, the most important thing is that over $1,000 was raised to donate to charity," Wechtaluk said.

Sophomore biology major Chelsea Bradley was also pleased with the turnout.

"When I first got out there, it was so gross outside that I almost didn't want to run. But once I saw all the people who had turned up for the event and the enthusiasm on the faces of the Phi Taus and the Pi Phis, I was ready to run," Bradley said.

Bradley has been running since high school but hasn't had much of a chance to compete since she came to college.

"Its hard to find races to compete in around the community when I'm so busy with school. This was an awesome way for me to be able to run without having to look too hard for an event," Bradley said, "I really hope they are able to do it again next year."

Bradley wasn't the only one who hopes to continue the PhiveK event. While it was the first year of the event, Wechtaluk said that he would love to see it happen again.

"It is a lot of hard work and stress but when it is all over and you realize how much money you have raised to give to charity, there is just no better feeling," Wechtaluk said.