Michelle Libich spent her weekend supporting MSU.
On Saturday she cheered for the hockey team during “The Cold War” game between the Spartans and the University of Michigan. On Sunday, she helped the MSU Museum by participating in the MSU Federal Credit Union Dinosaur Dash, a 5K run/walk fund-raiser for the museum’s dinosaur-related programs.
“The race was wonderful,” the mechanical engineering junior said. “I tailgated a lot before the hockey game yesterday, so that kind of slowed me down during the race.”
Libich was one of about 1,800 runners, walkers and wheelchair athletes of all ages who gathered at 10 a.m. Sunday in front of the MSU Museum for the race.
The race, which also ended in front of the museum, covered West Circle Drive and the Red Cedar River.
“There were very few problems today, and this is one of the smoothest run races we’ve had in years,” said William Matt, special events coordinator for the museum.
Matt said the event was not only competitive but entertaining, especially for the children who got to meet Sparty and Louie the Lightning Bug, the mascot for the Lansing Board of Water and Light.
“The weather really gave us a break because we’ve had a pretty bad spell recently,” he said. “It was a perfect day.”
The dashers competed in various divisions, which included the men’s, women’s and master’s divisions. Trophies were awarded to the male and female winners in both the running and walking categories.
Medals and ribbons were awarded to all finishers, making everyone a winner.
“It was a great event that brought people out for a fun time and raised money for the museum,” said Barry La Reau, an East Lansing resident who judged the race walkers. “This is my fifth year judging, and I always see the same faces every year.”
Two special runs were designed for the younger crowd. The Museum Mile had children 12 and younger run or walk a one-mile course around campus and the Mini-Dash was a 200-yard run for kids 6 and younger.
But the event wasn’t all about racing. Other activities such as a race-walk clinic, aerobics warm-up exercises, entertainment and children’s activities brought people together for a fun-filled day.
Ryan Embree, a mechanical engineering junior, said aside from it being fun, he had other reasons for participating.
“I got to wear an awesome dinosaur T-shirt and there was plenty of free food to go around,” he said.
