The Wildcat Running Club will hold its third-annual philanthropic 5K event this weekend, with all proceeds benefiting the UA Steele Children’s Research Center. The Sprint into Spring 5K will take place at Reid Park on Sunday morning.
This philanthropic 5K race is held every spring semester with a certain organization to which all proceeds are donated. During the first annual 5K, the club raised over $800, all proceeds of which were given to the American Cancer Society. This year, the club will be donating to the UA Steele Children’s Research Center for the second year in a row and has now raised a remarkable amount toward its philanthropic goal.
“We have already raised the most money this year, surpassing our goal of $1,000, making around $1,500 with the 69 people who are already registered,” 5K coordinator Bianca Luna said. “We are expecting more registrations and hoping to have at least 20 more people sign up by race day.”
Last year, there were over 70 race participants at the event. While attendance is projected to increase for this year, it is still expected to carry the same relaxed atmosphere as years past. From the most experienced runners to fresh beginners, everyone will have a chance at taking a prize home through the raffle that will be taking place at the race.
The event’s real winner is the Steele Children’s Research Center, which incorporates research in both clinical and teaching endeavors and will receive the funds from the run.
Established in 1985, the center is held as one of the prestigious Centers of Excellence at the College of Medicine — Tucson and works as a research extension of the UA Department of Pediatrics. The center currently has over 75 ground-breaking research projects in areas including cardiology, critical care, endocrinology, nutrition, genetics and oncology. One of its most celebrated areas of research involves the surveillance of developmental disabilities.
Austin Stone, vice president of the Wildcat Running Club and an economics senior, explained the strong relationship between the club and the center.
“We are happy to donate again, because it’s such a good cause and a big part of the community,” Stone said. “We would like to continue support for an organization that’s a part of the university.”
Each entry costs $25 and registration forms are available before race time at 7:30 a.m. The race will begin Sunday at 9 a.m. and is projected to finish at around 11 a.m.
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