Pumpkin run donates to cancer cure foundation

The Oswego State fitness centers will be hosting its annual 5K Great Pumpkin Run to raise money for a cure as part of Breast Cancer Awareness month, with proceeds going to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation.

According to Brian Wallace, director of the fitness centers, the Great Pumpkin Run was originally created by the fitness center staff five years ago.

“They wanted to host a 5K run on campus and have the proceeds go toward some sort of charity or cause,” Wallace said. “One of the former students suggested breast cancer because of the month of October and her previous work with the Susan G. Komen foundation.”

According to the foundation’s website, Komen not only battled breast cancer, but also tried to think of ways to make the situation more bearable for other women.

Her sister, Nancy G. Brinker founded the Susan G. Komen non-profit organization, which is a global leader of the breast cancer movement. Since 1982, they have invested more than $1.9 billion. According to their site, they are “the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists, who work together to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures.”

The amount of participants and proceeds has been “steadily increasing in number,” Wallace said. Last year they had a turnout of 225 participants and raised nearly $1,000.

“I am hoping for a similar outcome,” Wallace said.

Wallace said there are other events and fundraisers on campus that also support the foundation during the month of October.

“The money raised from the pumpkin run is combined with other money raised throughout the campus and donated to the foundation at the end of the month,” he said.

One of the other activities involves the faculty and staff hosting a fundraising event on Friday, Oct. 7.

“On this particular day, staff can donate five dollars or more to wear jeans and pink,” Wallace said. “In addition, they do a small walk, [a] 50/50 raffle and a gift basket raffle. These events take place in Culkin Hall and Debbie Arduini [a staff member in Culkin], helps organize this event. There may be events as well, but as of now, I am unaware of any,” he said.

The event will take place in the Campus Center Food Court on Saturday, Oct. 8 at 1:30 p.m. Registration will be at the front desk of either fitness center until Oct. 7. Those who are late to sign up can do so on the same day of the race starting at 12:30 p.m. All participants must provide is a $3 entry fee. Water bottles will be provided before the event. Running (or walking) the 3.1 mile loop around campus will be held rain or shine and trophies will be awarded to the top three performers. At the end of the race cider, donuts and pumpkin decorations will be distributed.

Chris Ellison

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