More than 900 already registered for Campus Classic
Oct. 16, 2000
KALAMAZOO -- More than 1,000 people are expected to participate in the second Homecoming Campus Classic run/walk at Western Michigan University Saturday, Oct. 21.
The event features a 1K kid's fun run and 1K fun walk at 8:30 a.m. and a 5K run and 5K fun walk at 9 a.m. Runners and walkers will take off from WMU's Bernhard Center and follow courses that showcase the campus.
"In past years, there weren't that many events that brought the University and broader community together during Homecoming," says Matt Kurz, WMU associate vice president for university relations.
"We established the Campus Classic as a way for area residents as well as students, alumni, faculty and staff to be a part of the celebration. We encourage everyone to take part in the classic by running or walking, volunteering or cheering on the participants."
In 1999, nearly 850 people participated in the Campus Classic, which has been expanded this year to include the 5K fun walk. Those participating in the 5K run or 5K fun walk can register as an individual or part of a three-person student or adult team.
Other innovations that will be introduced at the 2000 event are use of the ChampionChip for participants who wish to time their performances and be eligible for competitive awards, and use of cross-country-style scoring to calculate team times.
The ChampionChip, an automatic timing, identification and registration system that attaches to participants' shoe laces, has been used increasingly the last few years in competitive races around the country. The chips will be available for pick up the morning of the race. There's no charge to use the chip as long as it is returned.
"We're also excited about introducing cross-country-style scoring," says Kurz. "Each of the three team members will receive points based on how well that member places in his or her individual age group, so coed teams or those that have a mix of older and younger members have a good chance to win."
As was the case last year, snacks and beverages will be provided for spectators as well as participants, while volunteers will be treated to a continental breakfast. In addition, volunteers and participants are invited to attend a free tailgate party and Campus Classic awards ceremony at 10:30 a.m. at Hyames Field next to Waldo Stadium. Guests may join the tailgate, which precedes the 1 p.m. Homecoming football game against Northern Illinois University, for a nominal fee of $5.
In addition to the free refreshments and tailgate, Campus Classic participants will receive a long-sleeve T-shirt; a discount on Homecoming football tickets; and, at the free tailgate party, a chance to win raffle prizes, including two round-trip airline tickets to anywhere in the continental United States.
Awards also will be given out to participants of the 5K run who use the ChampionChip. Awards will go to the top overall individual male and female finishers as well as the top individual and team finishers. Participants age 14 and under who take part in the 1K fun walk and 1K fun run will each receive a medal.
For helping out at the Campus Classic, volunteers will receive most of the same benefits as participants. Volunteers are needed to act as course marshals, finish-line reporters, tailgate set-up team members, and tailgate and race tear-down team members. The majority of volunteers will be needed from 7 a.m. until about 11 a.m. Race tear-down volunteers will be needed from 9 a.m. until about noon and tailgate tear-down volunteers from 10 a.m. until about 2 p.m.
The cost to participate in the Campus Classic varies. If participating as an individual, the cost is $15 for adults, $7 for students, $5 for children (14 and under) and $25 for families. Team fees are $15 per student team and $40 per adult team. The deadline for early registration is 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19. A $15 late fee will be assessed after this date.
Late registration and participant packet pick up will take place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Oct. 19 and 20, on the second floor of the west wing of Walwood Hall (located near the corner of Oakland Drive and Oliver Street) and from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, in the cafeteria of the Bernhard Center.
To register or volunteer for the Campus Classic, call the Office of University Relations at (616) 387-8402 or visit the event's Web site at <www.wmich.edu/race>.
Media contact: Jeanne Baron, 616 387-8400, jeanne.baron@wmich.edu