Got running shoes?
Residents and staff at Williams and Yakeley Halls better. They plan to walk the equivalent of 31 marathons during the 31 days of October in an effort to raise money for charity.
The event, in its second year, was set up to raise funds for MSU Safe Place and the Susan G. Komen Foundation, a national organization that researches breast cancer. October is both national Domestic Violence Awareness Month and National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The month-long fund-raiser began Sunday when participants ran the first several miles toward their total goal of 813 miles, which is the equivalent of 31 marathons.
“The idea is to have students in the Williams, Yakeley and Gilchrist area get donations or pledges for how much mileage they are going to cover,” said Grant Woodman, complex director for the three residence halls.
Donors can sponsor an individual by pledging a flat rate per mile or they can give one lump sum at any time during the event.
Participants can accumulate their miles on their own time while walking to class or running with friends.
A group from Williams, Yakeley and Gilchrist halls will even gather to walk the Homecoming parade as an additional way to accumulate miles.
MSU Safe Place Director Holly Rosen said the event is an example of how students and Residence Life staff can pull together and show support for some important causes.
“I think that even though this is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we need to recognize that relationship violence happens all year,” she said. “But I’m glad that we set apart a month to increase community awareness for these issues.”
MSU Safe Place is the only domestic violence shelter in the country on a college campus. The organization provides free and confidential shelter, support and education for students, staff, faculty and their partners.
Woodman said he is not worried about surpassing the mileage goal after it was accomplished during last year’s program. The group is more concerned about collecting donations.
For more information contact Alan Wilson at 355-3564.
