Runners turn out for DanceBlue 5K on windy day

%C2%A0

 

By Olivia Jones

[email protected]

Blustering winds and a chance of rain didn’t hinder efforts to support children dealing with cancer at the UK DanceBlue 5K on Sunday.

DanceBlue partnered with John’s Run and Walk Shop to host the sixth annual run/walk at Commonwealth Stadium.

As newly changed leaves swirled in the strong wind (which reached 18 mph, according to the Lexington forecast by Underground Weather), participants lined up outside of Commonwealth Stadium’s Gate 4 to register and check-in.

There were about 400 pre-registered runners, said Overall Chairman Ethan Ritter.

Journalism sophomore Lindsey Whitehouse chose this event to run her first 5K.

“I just decided to hop in and do it for the cause,” Whitehouse said.

When asked how the wind would play into her performance, Whitehouse said, “It’s a motivator.”

Her dark, curly haired, canine running companion, Padfoot, gave enthusiastic barks of agreement.

“We’ve been working on this event since last spring,” said DanceBlue Special Events Chair Hannah Simms.

“The planning only took about three to four people, but today, we needed about 20 to 30 volunteers to help make sure everything went smoothly.”

“Last year’s 5K turned out great,” DanceBlue Adviser Jillian Pyatte said. “And this year’s is even better because we made some improvements.”

Pyatte explained how lines were cut down by including an early check-in option on Friday.

She also said DanceBlue student leaders did a great job and work hard all year long.

The DanceBlue 5K is a precursor to the 24-hour dance marathon event in March. Fundraising occurs all year to benefit child cancer patientsand their families.

According to the DanceBlue website, more than 120 campus organizations.

A total of $834,424.57 was raised last year. The money went to those being treated at UK’s Pediatric Oncology Clinic.

It was $15 for early registration and $20 to register for the race on Sunday.

“We raised the registration prices a little since last year to raise more money for the cause … and keep up with the prices of other 5Ks around here,” Pyatte said.

“We have raised about three to four thousand dollars (from the race),” Ritter said.