WSU Fun Run Serves Dual Purpose

29 Mar 2009

WSU fun run serves dual purpose

5K race benefits local cause

(courtesy of Moscow/Pullman Daily News, www.dnews.com)

By Yesenia Amaro, Daily News staff writer

Posted on: Monday, March 30, 2009

Photos:

Yesenia Amaro/Daily News

Annan Bowlby had participated in Washington State University's Campus on the Run in each of the previous four years, but he'd never won the five-kilometer race.

That all changed Saturday.

"I feel pretty good," said the WSU senior, who crossed the finish line in 18 minutes, 50 seconds.

Bowlby was one of 324 participants who took part in the annual event, which donates a portion of its proceeds to a local cause.

Dave Peterson, who helped organize the race, said a committee formed by members of the WSU Recreation Center and WSU Center for Civic Engagement selected the recipient. This year's recipient is the Montessori School of Pullman, although the total amount it will receive has not yet been calculated.

The recipient typically receives between $1,000 and $1,200, Peterson said.

WSU senior Matt Ahmann finished 55th and said he enjoyed the race.

"I just enjoyed the challenge," he said. "Just to measure up with other people my age."

Ahmann said he felt good about his finish considering he didn't train prior to the race.

He said it also was satisfying knowing the race was for a good cause.

"It's great that it helps the community," he said. "It motivates (us) to help a good cause."

Michelle Peterschick agreed.

"I decided to participate to support the cause and to have fun," said the WSU sophomore, who ran the race with one of her friends. "It's the first time that I did it, and I thought it would be a good experience. I'm glad that we finished."

WSU staff member Bridgette Johnson ran while pushing a stroller with her 2-year-old niece.

"I just try to stay in shape," she said. "I think I did all right."

Johnson said the most challenging parts of the race were the hills.

Pullman resident and WSU alumni John Rosecrans ran along with his wife, Christina.

"I think we should have more of these type of events more often, not just once a year," he said.

Yesenia Amaro can be reached at (208) 882-5561, ext. 237, or by e-mail at yamaro@dnews.com.