It’s tough to outrun Vandal spirit, but the ASUI recreation board makes keeping pace with it possible in its Vandal 5K Spirit Sprint set for Nov. 12.
Halle Smith, ASUI recreation board chair, is organizing the event, inspired by BSU’s Beat Coach Pete fun run.
“This is a healthy way to get out, get some fresh air and have a good time,” Smith said. “Get out some of those finals jitters before Thanksgiving break.”
The goal of the event is to promote Vandal spirit, camaraderie and personal wellness.
“I think people are scared because it’s called a Fun Run, but really it’s a walk, jog, whatever. We want school spirit rather than school competition,” Smith said.
Smith said she hopes the event becomes a Vandal tradition that connects students, faculty, staff and alumni to the Moscow community.
“Literally any Vandal, near or far, could do it,” Smith said.
Event coordinators are looking to create a festive fall atmosphere and an event that even non-participants can enjoy.
“There will be music, cheerleaders, Joe Vandal and the Spirit Squad, food — it should just be a lot of fun,” Smith said.
The top three male and female finishers, and the most spirited participants will receive prizes.
“We’re looking for the most decked out Vandal,” Smith said. “This is supposed to be a really fun event.”
The ASUI recreation board also sponsors the Vandal Fitness Challenge and the Ice-Ball Football Challenge.
Participants must register by Friday and pay the $15 registration fee that includes the price of a T-shirt and breakfast provided by Sodexo. Smith said the registration fee is being used to cover the cost of the event, but that may not be the case in future years.
“Hopefully in the future it will become an annual event and we will be able to allocate a budget and then donate the money to a scholarship fund,” Smith said.