he first annual Blue Jay 5k Fun Run was held on Sunday, Oct. 20 from 2-4 p.m. at Elizabethtown College during homecoming weekend. The run was organized to raise funds for the track and field, cross country and women’s soccer teams at the College.
Chuck Wells, an alumnus from the Class of 1990 and pioneer of Applied Race Management Solutions, played a large role in the organization of the event, as he has previous experience with organizing similar events such as the Frozen Foot Series that originated through Etown. Wells was contacted by the head track and field coach, Joel Hoffsmith, to create this event. Wells said that the idea of holding a race to benefit the teams was implemented based on wanting an athletic event that supported athletic teams. Hoffsmith had also contacted the head women’s soccer coach, Jason Petronis, about the possibility of this type of event.
The early registration cost for the race was $25 before Oct. 19. After this date, the registration fee rose to $30. Students could present their college IDs for a discount of $17.50 for registration.
The race was open to anyone who desired to participate. Alumni Relations supported the event financially and promoted the event around campus and beyond.
“Even though it had been promoted heavily to the Etown campus and alumni communities, it was designed and programmed in such a way that families of current students, friends of the College and other members of the central Pennsylvania region could participate,” Director of Alumni Relations Mark Clapper said.
The event was promoted traditionally and electronically through many outlets: the schedule of events for the official Homecoming and Family Weekend, the Elizabethtown College Magazine, flyers and posters around the college and e-newsletters sent to alumni. “The promotion also appeared on various Etown related websites, Facebook, the Blue Jay Athletics events and the Applied Race Management Solutions website,” Clapper said. All these efforts contributed to a successful launch of the event, which will likely grow and continue in the future.
