Alyssa Wisniewski
Student Life Editor
On Friday, over 80 runners and walkers took part on Keene State College’s fourth annual Owl 5K Fun Run/Walk hosted by Recreational Sports.
Lynne Andrews, the director of Recreational Sports said, “It’s a fun event for people who like to run or get outside.”
The 5K Run/Walk is intended for anyone who wanted to run and beat their time, or just enjoy walking along the trail.
“It’s a really nice day just to take a stroll if [students] prefer to,” said Andrews.
“Some students like to run for the challenge and others like to run for fun,” Andrews continued.
Andrews also added: “A lot of people like the challenge, they want to see what their time is and beat their friends.”
Paige Gouldthorpe, a first-year student and competitor in the event said, “This was my first 5K, and I really enjoyed it.”
Gouldthorpe also said, “I really liked the spirit of it. There was a lot of people cheering and clapping, which made it really fun.”
“It was a challenge, but I would definitely do it again,” said Goldthorpe.
Gouldthorpe thought even if the trail was too long or tiring, the outcome and finishing the run was very rewarding. “I don’t run very often, but after today, it was very rewarding to me to be able to complete it,” said Gouldthorpe.
Students, faculty and parents lined up at the Joyce soccer field, where the runners were sent off on a trail ending on Appian Way.
“Running is good for exercise and it’s a great time of year to run,” says David Sweeney, the coordinator of Intramural sports and clubs.
Gouldthorpe also said she liked the weather: “I loved running the trail at this time of the year, the colors were so pretty.”
The 5K run is not a race. “It’s called the ‘Fun Run’ so we don’t have prizes, but we do announce their times and meet them at the finish line,” says Sweeney.
Some students like to run and not go to the gym, and the 5K run was perfect for that.
“Some people are strictly runners, so you don’t see them in the gym as much or playing other sports, it’s cool to give these runners an opportunity to run for fun,” says Sweeney.
Tiffany Matthews, a health educator, was at the Center for Health and Wellness table at the finishing line.
“We like to be here to cheer on the students and hand out a healthy snack once they finish the 5K, ” Says Matthews.
Matthews also connected with students at the end to mention their nutrition coaching program.“For students who want the coaching, they can help with goal setting, give nutritional advice,” added Mathews.
Being outdoors with friends was a common interest a lot of the runners and faculty shared.
“It was a really good way to connect with my colleagues and enjoy the day,” Matthews said.
“It was more [fun] to go out and run, than being in my room all day,” Gouldthorpe added.
“It’s not about the time, the first place prize is a t-shirt that everyone else gets. It’s really about participating, having fun, and taking on the challenge,” says Matthews.
Alyssa Wisniewski can be contacted at
Awisniewski@kscequinox.com
