Student Foundation to Host Fifth Annual Bearathon

February 28, 2007

by Katie Brooks, student newswriter, (254) 710-1961

Baylor's Student Foundation will hold the fifth annual Bearathon, a 13.1-mile race, at 8 a.m. Saturday, March 3, through the Baylor campus and Waco's Cameron Park.

Bearathon is a student-run event to promote Baylor awareness and raise funds for student scholarships. Last year's race raised $12,000, providing six students $2,000 scholarships, according to Peyton Wofford, co-chair of Student Foundation's campus promotions committee.

Wofford expects more than 450 runners for this year's race, but the actual count will be finalized on race day. Baylor students comprise approximately half of the runners; others from Waco, neighboring cities and out-of-state runners also participate, she said.

"We've been told that Bearathon is one of the hardest half-marathons in Texas," Wofford said. The course starts at Fountain Mall on Baylor's campus, travels through Cameron Park and downtown Waco, and finishes on Fifth Street.

Registration is still available and costs $45 per entry. This is the first year for online registration.

"This year we are awarding first, second and third place in all divisions. Those winners receive an engraved bear trophy unique to the Bearathon. All finishers receive a Bearathon water bottle," she said.

For more information about the Bearathon, or to register online visit the Student Foundation web site at www.baylor.edu/student_foundation or call (254) 710-3497.