Student Foundation Races Green for Ninth Annual Bearathon
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Baylor University's Student Foundation will "go green" in the ninth annual 5K Run and Bearathon race, which begins at 8 a.m. on Saturday, March 19, 2011.
The Bearathon, a 13.1 mile half-marathon through scenic Cameron Park, historic downtown Waco and Baylor, is considered "The Toughest Half-Marathon in Texas." The 5K Run follows the beginning and ending of the Bearathon course.
"Bearathon is the best-run race around," said Mitch Deskins, founder of Team Striders -- the marathon-training arm of Waco Striders Running Club -- and Bearathon participant. "There's so much support from the volunteers who are cheering you on, and that uplifts you."
All funds raised are used for student scholarships. Last year, Student Foundation raised more than $200,000, providing more than 100 scholarships to Baylor students.
Not only does it benefit a good cause, but Bearathon is becoming an environmentally friendly race as well.
Bearathon race directors are encouraging cup-free racing this year. Student Foundation is hoping to save about 28,200 paper cups. Not only does cup-free racing encourage runners to think about environmental responsibility, but a cup-free race also provides a cleaner and safer event for all participants.
While runners are encouraged to provide their own containers, they will certainly have access to water throughout the race.
"Hydration stations are placed at every mile of the course for runners to fill their containers," said Michael Horne, campus promotions co-chair for Student Foundation. "Hydra-Pour high-speed dispensers at each station allow the runners to fill their containers in a matter of seconds without spilling the water everywhere. Runners receive more water, faster."
As an alternative to bulky water bottles or other traditional containers, runners can use a HydraPouch. Designed with a splash-resistant drinking spout and a contoured fit for the hand, it hooks easily to the runner's waistband for a faster and cleaner drink.
"The Hydra-Pour dispensers and the HydraPouch benefit the runner's time and provide more water," said Lizzy Davis, the Troy and Betty Mays director of Student Foundation. "Practice coolers are available at packet pick-up and race day morning to help runners feel at ease using the dispensers."
Registration for the 5K Run and Bearathon race is available for all participants up to race day morning.
For costs and registration, please visit the Student Foundation website at www.baylor.edu/student_foundation and click on "Bearathon."
Monetary awards are given to first, second and third place in the Master's, Baylor student and Overall divisions. Finishers will receive a t-shirt and medal. 5K Run finishers will receive a medal.
Media contact: Lori Fogleman, director of media communications, (254) 710-6275 Race contact: Lizzy Davis, director of Student Foundation, (254) 710-3498