By Greg Bauerlein

On Saturday March 22nd, the Buffalo State Alumni Association is sponsoring the 6th annual Bengal 5K run and fun walk, which is a benefit event done to raise proceeds for the association Legacy Scholarship Fund.

“The scholarship is awarded annually to a student who is a child or grandchild of a Buffalo State graduate,” said event coordinator Jennifer Small. “This is the only event that raises money for the Legacy Scholarship, so we really want to try to get as much proceeds as we can for it.”

Race details and ages

According to Small, the Bengal 5K is a run that tends to attract more of a family atmosphere and is expected to draw more than 400 runners and walkers of various age groups. The race is for anyone looking for a casual run, those looking to get in shape or those who are out to compete. Prizes will be given out for the top three finishers in age groups ranging from fourteen and under, to runners that are seventy years old and above.

The race is set to run at 9 a.m. on the Buffalo State campus and follows somewhat the perimeter of the campus. The race is 3.1 miles and will start on Rockwell road and finish outside the main entrance of the Buckham Campus School, which is where a post-race Bengal brunch will be held.

“There are quite a few sponsors on board that have provided a financial assistance as well as food and beverages,” said Small. “Because of the variety of foods available at the brunch, and the door prizes given out to people who registered, the brunch tends to be very popular as well.”

Some of the sponsors this year include, Krispy Kreme, Pepsi, Mister Pizza, and a list of others from around the campus and the community.

“I ran in the race last year and it was a pretty fun day,” said student Clint Byrne. “The brunch was definitely the best part of the day, I just hope I’ll have a stomach for all that food after the race.”

Registration and Cost

Registration for the race can be done by picking up an application at the Alumni Association office in Cleveland Hall 214. Pre-registering by March 18th will cost $18 to general racers and $12 to students. Registering on the day of the race will take place in Buckham Campus School, and will cost an additional $2 for general participants and students. Long sleeve T-shirts will be give to the first 400 registrants which can be picked up at the registration.

“This year we are also offering a $3 discount to student groups and organizations of 15 people or more. We sent out letters to the organizations and got word out through the campus e-mail in hope that we might gain some more attention for the event in that way.” Small explained. “We tend to draw a combination of serious runners, students and alumni just looking to get in a casual run but in any case we try to make it a fun, family-oriented day.”

Information

Anyone interested in participating or volunteering in the event can contact Jennifer Small. Alumni Events Coordinator at 878-6001 or send an e-mail to smalljl@buffalostate.edu. Course maps and additional information can be found in pamphlets at the Buffalo State Alumni Association Office in GC 214.