Collegiate Times

The University Bookstore will host a Homecoming 5K Sprit Run on Sept. 30 to raise money for the Hokie Spirit Memorial Scholarship Fund.

The run begins at Margaret Beeks Elementary School at 1p.m. following a one-mile fun run that starts at noon.

The Virginia Tech Recreational Sports Department usually sponsors two 5Ks each year, one in the fall and one in the spring. The idea to have the proceeds go to the Hokie Spirit Memorial Scholarship Fund came from a marathon training group at Tech.

With help from the Recreational Sports Department, the bookstore is using the Spirit Run to raise money for an endowed scholarship.

"They want to encourage people to get active," said Ali Arner, fitness coordinator for Tech Recreational Sports.

Although hosting 5Ks has been a tradition for several years, this is the second year the Recreational Sports Department has linked it to homecoming weekend in hopes of getting more participation.

"We thought it would bring others in that are visiting as well as students and local community members," Arner said. "And since it's at the elementary school, it's also a good way to bring together people of all ages."

Arner said the race will be a fun atmosphere, with a D.J. to entertain the crowd and a fairly easy The University Bookstore will provide T-shirts for the race.

Steve Glosh, assistant director of the bookstore and a Tech alum, said the bookstore decided to sponsor the event to show support for Tech students.

"We really enjoy having the opportunity to help students in whatever way we can," Glosh said. "Just like with service projects or the orange and maroon effect shirts, we believe it's important to show support for whatever the students are interested in."

In addition to providing T-shirts, the University Bookstore is trying to market the event to encourage participation.
"We're getting the flyers out," Glosh said. "And trying to make sure everyone knows about it."

As of Monday afternoon, 50 people had registered for the Spirit Run, but they are hoping for more. Arner said that she hopes to raise $2500.

Thanh Lenguyen, special events supervisor for the Tech Recreational Sports Department, said that aside from raising money, the department wants to stress the importance of getting exercise.

"All of the events we offer are a good way to promote healthy living," Lenguyen said. "Especially this one-it's just a great way for the community to come together."

Registration is $15 for the 5K and $5 for the one-mile fun run. Anyone interested can register online at www.recsports.vt.edu or at the Recreational Sports Office in McComas Hall.