By Greg Bauerlein

On a brisk spring day, runners and walkers turned out to test their fitness and make it to the finish of the Bengal 5K run and fun walk. Seven runners in particular made a statement.

The Christiansen family from Greenville, Pa., showed up the crowd by placing five out their seven family members in the top 40. Over 300 people made up of students, alumni, family and friends, dashed their way toward the finish line, in an event sponsored by the Buffalo State College Alumni Association.

Runners in the event ranged from some children under 10 years old, to adults over 65 participating.

“We really have a diverse group of people in this year’s race,” event coordinator Jennifer Small said. “Although the crowd is so diverse, I think the main thing many of the participants have in common is that they just enjoy running.”

Jed Christiansen, 15, was the overall winner of the Bengal 5K run, with his younger brother finishing along with him in the top ten. Jaycee Christiansen, 9, finished in the top 40 out of over 250 participants edging out her father with a strong kick in the final straightaway. Jaycee’s 16 year old sister was the first female to finish in the event with her mother finishing strong as well ending up right around 100th.

The Christiansen’s participate in many sanctioned events throughout their state and the Northeast together as a family.

“We always look sanctioned runs that are within driving distance that we can travel to and participate in,” said Bob Christiansen, 48. “That’s why we came here, it is a sanctioned run, and like most of the courses in Buffalo it’s rather flat, that’s why we really like coming to Buffalo to run.”

The event seemed to be a great success as participants piled in the Buckham School cafeteria for a post-race brunch, featuring everything from pizza and hot dogs, to yogurt and fruit. Several door prizes were given away as well as prizes to the top finishers. Volunteers and Alumni of Buffalo State were scattered throughout the sections of the event, helping with results, registration, prizes and the post-race brunch.

“I’m an alumnus and the years I spent at college were the best years of my life,” said volunteer, Peter Jablin class of 85’. “It’s nice to have people and even myself be able to make a connection back with the school, and help support the event.”

All proceeds from the event went toward the funding of the associations Legacy Scholarship Fund. The scholarship is given away annually to a child or grandchild of a Buffalo State graduate.