From Nov. 7- Nov. 15, the Athletics Department is hosting a virtual 5K run/walk and kids’ mile in an effort to increase Samford community engagement.
Event overseers Jacob Greer and Bo Kerr discussed the reasons why they decided to create this event.
“The 5k was something that we thought would fit really well into the current climate because it is virtual, and a participant can run at home on their treadmill, or they can run in their neighborhood, so they can be physically distanced from everyone while still supporting Samford and Samford Athletics,” Greer said.
Kerr said the event seemed appropriate for the current circumstances.
“It’s about engagement,” Kerr said. “We were looking for opportunities during this time to continue to engage not only with our corporate sponsors but with our fanbase, donors, and alumni. We just saw this as a unique opportunity to try to engage with those constituents.”
According to the registration website, those interested must sign up by paying a registration fee and inputting their information. Registration fees for the 5k are $35 and $25 for the kids’ mile.Those who are not interested in participating by completing the 5k can submit a donation.
The steps on how to participate are also on the website. Participants decide on a certain distance, use a timer or GPS App to record their final distance and upload their time to the “Results” page.
Those who have registered before Nov. 7 can start uploading their running times on the same day. While those who registered after Nov. 7 must wait a day to upload their times.
Greer said those who participate in the event will receive free mementos from the Athletics Department.
“Every participant gets a Samford neck buff and bib shipped directly to their address, so they can use that when they’re out and running,” Greer said.
All the earnings from the event will go toward the Athletics Department and will be used to support student-athletes. Greer said that while this is the first year they are holding this event, they are thinking about continuing this event in the future.
For more information on the virtual 5k and kid’s mile run, visit the registration website, https://events.elitefeats.com/bulldogs20.
Staff Writer
