Spring Break
Students run, walk, blade for fun and to benefit Special Olympics
American Marketing Association raises $4000 at annual race Saturday
Erin Nigon
Issue date: 4/30/07 Section: Campus News
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Senior Kimberly Olsen, president of AMA at UW-Eau Claire and one of the event organizers, said she thinks one of those reasons is the reputation the event has.
"I think our event has a lot of integrity. A lot of professors make up our community and many are familiar with AMA," Olsen said. "Most are professors of the student (volunteers) and like to show their support."
The event has been held annually for the past 25 years to benefit Special Olympics in Eau Claire. Participants can either walk, run or rollerblade in the event. Because the event is open to students as well as community members, a big part of the run revolves around the fun.
Olsen said she has seen the event grow in popularity among the students this year and was glad to see increased involvement from them.
"We saw a lot of the same (students) with friends this year," Olsen said. "I think a lot of friends recruited friends. Word of mouth played a big part."
Senior Julie Bouska said her reason for participating in the event for the first time this year was just that - positive pressure from friends.
"I saw a lot of signs on campus for it and knew a lot of friends that would do it," she said. "I think they did a good job of promoting it on campus and it seemed like a big college event that was directed towards students. There were a lot of people there."
Compared to last year, the number of runners jumped significantly, Olsen said. The number of those pre-registered nearly doubled and even more people showed up on Saturday.
In addition to the run, a big part of the event also lies in everything participants can do after the race is over.
"We provide a day with bands students will enjoy and games for them," Olsen said. "I think the whole thing is for a reasonable price."
Participants who registered for the race paid $15 in advance or $18 the day of the event and received a T-shirt as well as a wristband to enjoy the festivities of the day.
Olsen added that although many students participate for social reasons, the event also supports a good cause benefiting the Special Olympics in Eau Claire.
Helped by the weather and a well-organized team of volunteers, the event was more than a success. The race earned more than $4,000.
"I know the money is going to a good cause," Bouska said. "I think this definitely helps."
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