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AphA-ASP and UF Cross Country and Track and Field team orchestrate another successful 5k
By Lauren Wolters
A homecoming tradition of more than ten years is the University of Findlay’s Homecoming 5k and this year it raised money for the local chapter of the American Heart Association.
This year’s 5k began at 8 a.m. at the Alumni Memorial Union (AMU) on Saturday Oct. 9. The American Pharmacist Association Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhA-ASP) and UF’s Cross Country and Track and Field teams helped coordinate the event. The APhA-ASP is a pharmacy organization on campus that has helped with the 5k since 2015.
In an email interview, Debra Parker, Pharm. D., the Dean for the College of Pharmacy and the advisor for (APhA-ASP) explained the role of both organizations in the event.
“Students from this organization will be there along with members of the track and cross-country teams to run the event, taking care of everything from registration to the awarding of prizes,” Dr. Parker said.
Dr. Parker added that seeing the two groups work effectively together is one of her favorite parts about the event.
“October is National Pharmacy Month, and this is a great way for our pharmacy students to be visible in the community,” Dr. Parker said. “We also love seeing community members getting exercise and having fun together.”
Day-of-registration started at 7:30 a.m. on Oct. 9. However, those interested could also register ahead of time on the University of Findlay’s Homecoming Website or by calling the Wolfe Center for Alumni, Parents, and Friends at 419-434-4526 or at alumni@findlay.edu.
Besides the in-person 5k, participants also had the choice of a Virtual 5k. To do the Virtual 5k, individuals had to register by Oct. 1 and track their 5k race on their own with a fitness tracker between Oct. 3 and Oct. 10. Then these individuals could upload their time online. The registration fee was $20 or $10 for UF students who displayed a valid UF ID. A t-shirt was included with registration.
Bailee Wood, a Pharmacy student and the President of the APHA-ASP, and Coach Eric Wymer were two key individuals in the coordination of the 5k event.
“The track and cross-country teams map and mark out the route, direct the runners, and take care of the physical set up of the race,” Dr. Parker said.
The race started and ended at the AMU. The rest of the route follows the perimeter of campus. UF and local police guided and ensured the safety of the participants.
In addition to support from the local police, local businesses provide financial support to the event.
“Each year, various community businesses support the 5K with in-kind donations or financial support,” Dr. Parker said. “Those sponsors are recognized in the race day materials, online, and during the race itself.”
Many community businesses and individuals are willing to support UF’s Homecoming 5k year after year because it supports cardiovascular health.
Dr Parker says exercise is important for one’s heart health.
“Getting out there and moving–whether it’s walking or running–is a heart-healthy thing to do,” Dr. Parker said. “We want to support that, and we provide all participants with information about additional things they can do to improve their cardiovascular health.”
The UF community along with UF’s APhA-ASP and cross-country and track teams will look to hold another successful heart health 5k next fall.
