First Annual Polar Bear 5K

On Saturday, Nov. 11, Concord University held its first annual Polar Bear 5K. This event was sponsored by Concord University Fitness & Intramurals and the Southern West Virginia Road Runners Club. The money raised from this event was donated to local disabled veterans.

    This event started out as an idea for a class project for RTM 240: Programs and Operations in Recreation. Student group member Damon Akers states that they “chose to raise money for disabled veterans because of the date where the event fell (Veterans Day), as well as the fact that my group has had family members serve in the military so we wanted to give back and thank them for their service and sacrifice.” Other group members in this project included Cooper Brady, Corey Carvelli, and Brook Carlson.

    Pre-registration cost for the event was $10 and registration fees on the day of the event was $15. The 5K course started at Callaghan Stadium, went up through the town of Athens, down around Athens Cemetery Loop, and finished back at the stadium. The race began at 10 a.m. Prizes were awarded for the top three male and female racers

    This event was a joint effort between town and campus organizations. The Veterans Association participated by sponsoring a water table at a halfway point on the course to help keep runners hydrated. Concord Fitness and Intramurals provided timing equipment and was responsible for registration. The Concord softball team was also in attendance to help with the event. Finally, both campus police and Athens city police helped to ensure that the route was safe for runners.

    Director of Intramurals Chris Smallwood stated the event was a great idea because it was “something positive in the community.”

    For more information on this event, please contact Damon Akers at akersd25@mycu.concord.edu.