Dinosaurs might be extinct.
But the MSU Federal Credit Union-sponsored Dinosaur Dash is still running strong.
The 15th annual 5K race is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. Sunday at the MSU Museum.
“Usually it’s a nice crisp, beautiful fall day on campus,” said Lora Helou, publicity coordinator for the MSU Museum. “It’s just a picturesque time and it’s a good day to get out to run or walk.”
Last year, the race - which normally attracts crowds of 1,500 runners - was voted the best 5K race in the Greater Lansing area.
Proceeds will support exhibit and educational programs at the museum.
“It attracts a lot of competitive runners as well as plenty of kids and families alike, so it offers a few different dimensions,” Helou said.
A professional racing organization will even be on hand to time the serious runners.
“We try to keep it balanced to keep both the serious runners and the families happy,” said Cathy Huddy, Museum special events coordinator.
Huddy has been the coordinator of this event for the past three years and is very happy with the interest the public has shown.
“It’s wild to see it go from quiet when the sun comes up to being flooded with people in the afternoon,” she said.
The event will also feature a 200-yard Mini-Dash for children under age 6 and a Museum Mile for children 12 and under.
Awards will be presented in all race divisions and results will be posted at the museum.
And Helou said there will be additional attractions inside the museum for children.
“We’ve got a couple of full dinosaur mounts and some bone casts of some dinosaur fossils,” Helou said. “Kids can get up close and be able to learn a little bit more about them as well.”
Race officials are also taking the time to ensure nobody gets injured. Students of the MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine will demonstrate proper stretching techniques and help with general health problems.
“They are familiar with the kind of injuries involved with running like pulls and muscle cramps,” Huddy said.
Jennifer Nichols, vice president of the university’s Student Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine, will be volunteering her time.
“After the race we’re going to offer different soft tissue techniques and stretches to help them ease their aches and pains and restore structure and function (of the body), which is what we do,” the second-year osteopathic medicine graduate student said.
For more information about registration, call 355-2370.
