Third annual Campus Classic race/walk set for Oct. 13
Oct. 3, 2001
KALAMAZOO -- The race is on.
Only 10 days are left to register as a participant or volunteer for Western Michigan University's third Homecoming Campus Classic run/walk Saturday, Oct. 13.
Fast becoming a new Homecoming tradition, the event features a 1K kid's fun run and 1K fun walk at 8:30 a.m. and a 5K run and 5K fun walk at 9 a.m. Participants take off from WMU's Bernhard Center and follow courses that showcase the campus.
About 1,300 runners and walkers participated in 2000, while more than 100 members of the local and University communities volunteered to help stage the event.
"We established the Campus Classic as a way for area residents as well as students, alumni, faculty and staff to be a part of our Homecoming celebration," says Matt Kurz, WMU associate vice president for university relations. "We encourage everyone to take part in the classic by running or walking, volunteering or cheering on the participants."
This year, the 5K course has been certified by Road Racing Certification Service. Those participating in the run may register as an individual or part of a three-person student, K-12 school or adult team. Participants who time their performances using the ChampionChip will be eligible for competitive awards.
The ChampionChip, an automatic timing, identification and registration system, attaches to participants' shoe laces and increasingly is being used in competitive races around the country. Chips will be available for pick up the morning of the race. There's no charge to use the chip as long as it is returned.
Cross country-style scoring will be used to calculate team times in the 5K race. All three members of each team will receive points based on how well they place in their individual age group, so coed teams or those that have a mix of older and younger members have a good chance to bring home an award.
Awards, presented to 5K run participants who use the ChampionChip, will go to the top individual male and female finishers overall, the top individual male and female finishers in each age division, and the top team finishers in each of the three team divisions. No awards are presented to 5K walk participants, but Campus Classic runners and walkers age 14 and under will each receive a participant's medal.
Volunteers will be treated to a continental breakfast prior to the Campus Classic, and snacks and beverages will be provided for spectators and participants during the event. Afterward, volunteers and participants, along with their guests, are invited to attend a free brunch and awards ceremony at 10:30 a.m. near Kanley Chapel.
In addition to the free refreshments and brunch admission, each Campus Classic participant will receive a long-sleeve T-shirt; be eligible to purchase Homecoming football tickets at a discount; and have a chance to win some of more than 100 raffle prizes, including two round-trip airline tickets to anywhere in the continental United States.
For helping out at the Campus Classic, volunteers will receive most of the same benefits as participants. They will be asked to serve as course marshals, finish-line reporters, registration assistants and members of race/brunch set-up teams. The majority of volunteers will be needed from 7 a.m. until about 11 a.m.
The cost to run or walk in the Campus Classic varies. The cost is $18 for adults, $9 for students, $7 for children (14 and under) and $36 for families. Team fees are $20 per student team, $20 per K-12 school team and $45 per nonstudent team. A $10 late fee is being assessed for those registering after Monday, Oct. 1.
The $10 late fee will be waived for runners and walkers who attend a special registration and packet pickup event from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 11, at Gazelle Sports on the mall in downtown Kalamazoo. Those attending also will have chances to win prizes as well as be able to enjoy free refreshments and store discounts.
Packet pickup and in-person late registration will take place from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 12, and 7 to 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, in the East Ballroom of the Bernhard Center on WMU's main campus. Doors to the registration area will close promptly at 9 a.m. on Saturday.
For more information about the Homecoming Campus Classic or to register as a participant or volunteer, call the Office of University Relations at (616) 387-8402 or visit the race Web site at <www.wmich.edu/race>.
Media contact: Jeanne Baron, 616 387-8400, jeanne.baron@wmich.edu