WMU HOME > ABOUT WMU > WMU NEWS

WMU News

Another large turnout expected for WMU 5K race

Oct. 12, 2004

KALAMAZOO--More than 1,800 runners, walkers and spectators will take to the streets around Western Michigan University at 8:15 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 16, for the Homecoming Campus Classic, an annual 5K run and 1K walk and kids' fun run through the WMU main campus.

Now in its sixth year, the Campus Classic has become one of the most popular Homecoming events at the university, drawing students, alumni, campus faculty and staff, and supporters from the Kalamazoo community, according to Matt Kurz, WMU associate vice president for university relations, whose office manages the event. The race debuted in 1999 with about 850 participants and has drawn 1,400 runners or more each of the past three years.

"Race registrations are running--no pun intended--slightly ahead of last year," says Kurz. "We will need about 300 volunteers to assist everything from handing out shirts and gift bags to doling out water from the sidelines and helping as course marshalls."

Everyone who enters the race or serves as a volunteer will be eligible for a series for door prizes, including a $500 travel voucher from AAA Travel. Specifically for WMU students, 10 free campus parking permits will be given away. Participants must be present at the post-race drawing to receive a prize. All participants and volunteers receive complimentary T-shirts and snacks. Those runners who post the best finish times in the 5K race will be recognized with special awards.

The 2004 Campus Classic begins at 8:15 a.m. in front of the Bernhard Center with a 1K walk and the kids' fun run. At 9 a.m., WMU President Judith I. Bailey will give the starting signal for hundreds of runners to begin pounding the pavement for the 5K run. The event offers runners the option of using a ChampionChip---an automatic timing device---to determine how long it takes them to navigate the certified 5K course.

The easiest way to register for the race or to volunteer is by visiting the Campus Classic Web site at <www.wmich.edu/race> and completing an online form. Forms also are available from the Office of University Relations in 300 E. Walwood Hall and at select locations around campus and throughout the community.

Registration packet pickup will take place from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 14, at Gazelle Sports on the mall in downtown Kalamazoo. Pickup and in-person late registration will continue from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 15, and 7 to 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 16, in Room 105 of the Bernhard Center. Doors to the registration area will close promptly at 9 a.m. on Saturday.

Sponsors for the 2004 Campus Classic are AAA Travel, Gazelle Sports, Coca Cola, Kellogg's, Little Caesars, McDonalds, Panera, Subway, Yoplait, WQLR Q-106.5 FM and WWMT Channel 3.

For more information about the Campus Classic, call (269) 387-8402 or visit the race Web site at <www.wmich.edu/race>.

Related story
Several campus roads closed for Homecoming events

Media contact: Thom Myers, 269 387-8400, thom.myers@wmich.edu

WMU News
Office of University Relations
Western Michigan University
1903 W Michigan Ave
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5433 USA
269 387-8400
www.wmich.edu/wmu/news