Collegiate Times

More than 4,000 individuals took part in April 16, 2009's "3.2 for 32" run. Related gallery

The final number was nearly 4,500, and they all descended upon the Drillfield at 8 a.m. Thursday to jog forward while thinking backward.

The Run in Remembrance went off without a hitch, as friends, families, and other members of the Tech community came out to support the victims of the April 16 shootings. Amongst other events, this run was held to connect the university on a level that happens around this time of year, and will for years to come.

"The event itself went off flawlessly," said SGA president and chair of the April 16 student planning committee Emily Mashack. "Everyone was extremely happy at the end, and that is what we were here for."

The 3.2-mile run, .1 miles more than a 5K, was held to recognize, remember, and acknowledge the Hokies who were killed or injured on April 16, 2007. At the beginning of the race, 32 white balloons were released for those who died on that day.

Following a moment of silence, each of the more than 4,000 runners released maroon and orange balloons.

"The balloon release was absolutely incredible," Mashack said. "You think about it, and think it's going to be amazing, but it's a whole other idea when you actually see it. It was incredible."

The weather was also great for the run. With clear skies and 60 degree weather, the coordinators of the runners couldn't have asked for more.

There were about 800 walk-up registrations, with nearly 3,700 runners registering prior to the run.

"It was extremely successful, and the community response from everyone was perfect. Everyone thought it was absolutely wonderful," Mashack said. "It should definitely happen again next year."

The event lasted nearly two hours and no winner was recorded. University spokesman Mark Owczarski said this was intentional.

"People could keep time, but there was no desire to make this a competitive event," Owczarski said. "People came to support and remember, not to compete."

Mark McNamee, Senior Vice President of the university and a participant in the run praised the organization of the event.

"Once again, we are fortunate to have such a gorgeous day for these special events. I love to see people out on the Drillfield, having fun and remembering," McNamee said. "That kind of feeling is uplifting and such a great experience to see so many people with so much energy devoted to the Run for Remembrance. I was just happy to do it and to finish the race. It was exhilarating."

"Everyone I talked to, and also from my own impressions, was that from the registration to where to line up, and how they spaced everyone out, to how they guided the flow ... it was extremely organized," McNamee said.

The planning committee intends to recreate the run again for the third anniversary.