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Volunteers are winners at Campus Classic

Sept. 28, 2006

KALAMAZOO--A chance to win airline tickets, one of 10 Western Michigan University parking passes or even a cash award is waiting at the finish line for volunteers of the Homecoming Campus Classic, Saturday, Oct. 14.

The annual Homecoming Campus Classic, a 5K run and 5K and 1K fun walk and run that winds through WMU's campus, attracts more than 1,500 participants and is one of WMU's most popular homecoming activities. Nearly 250 volunteers are needed to help the race run smoothly and successfully.

As a new incentive this year, registered WMU student organizations of all sizes are invited to participate as volunteers and compete for a top cash award of $200.

Members of organizations that participate in the competition will serve as course marshals, volunteers who are positioned at various points on the racecourse to ensure runners follow the route and don't stray or cut corners. Course marshals also cheer the runners as they pass. Members of groups participating in the challenge will be assigned to work together on the course and groups will be judged on number of participants, attire and creativity in their cheering/noisemaking. Four cash prizes for $200, $150, $100 and $50 will be awarded at the awards ceremony following the race.

"We are looking groups to be loud and proud," says Marie Lee, volunteer coordinator for the Campus Classic. "The race is a great event, which we believe can be enhanced by getting more student groups involved. This competition will allow student organizations to come out and show their creativity and spirit while cheering on the runners. They don't have to be big groups to win."

In order to participate, groups must be registered student organizations with the WMU Office of Student Activities and Leadership Programs. Each group is asked to identify a contact person who will be responsible for registering and coordinating their group. Participating group members must register individually as race volunteers (see below).

When registering, volunteers should indicate that they are part of a group and that group's name. All groups that wish to participate in the competition must be registered by Wednesday, Oct. 11.

Individuals who would like to volunteer need not be part of a group to participate, says Lee.
Volunteers are needed to serve in a number of positions, including as course marshals, finish line monitors, and water stop workers, and generally will work from 7 t11 a.m. They will receive a free T-shirt, food before and after the race, and qualify for a chance to win a $500 airline travel voucher from AAA Michigan. WMU students who volunteer also will be entered to win one of 10 WMU parking passes.

How to register as a volunteer

Those who would like to register as a Campus Classic volunteer, may do so online at www.wmich.edu/race/volunteering. For more information, contact the Homecoming Campus Classic at campus-classic@wmich.edu or (269) 387-8400.

Media contact: Cheryl Roland, (269) 387-8400, cheryl.roland@wmich.edu

WMU News
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