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Chron’s and Colitis 5K Fundraiser Set For Saturday

Story by Sean Leary Runners jockeyed for position in a previous Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America benefit.

Boone’s Greenway Trail will play host to a 5K run Saturday, July 26, at 9:00 a.m. benefiting the Chron’s and Colitis Foundation of America.

ASU Health Promotions Coordinator Sherri Wilson hopes the run will succeed in promoting awareness of the inflammatory bowel diseases that affect 150,000 Americans.

“We have two goals in mind for this run. First, we want to educate people about these little-known diseases. Second, we want to raise $1,000 for Chron’s and colitis research,” Wilson said. “Right now, we don’t know what causes these types of disorders and there is no cure for Chron’s.”

Facilitated by the ASU Department of Recreation and Leisure, the event has been a labor of love for four students. Directed by Wilson, recreation management majors Suzanne Higgins, Laura Reddick, Martha Smith and Libby Wheeless have organized the run from the ground up as a class project.

“It has been an eye-opening assignment,” said Reddick. “Not only did I learn how much hard work goes into planning an event like this, but it also gave me a better understanding of Chron’s and colitis and why it is important.”

Wilson has nothing but praise for her students.

“They started with zero budget,” said Wilson. “They were charged with the tasks of promotion, sponsorship and recruitment, and now it’s all starting to come together. The girls now have a real understanding of how to go out and host a 5K event or any fundraiser like that.”

In addition to the 5K, there will be a Chron’s and colitis information booth, door prizes from various local retailers and restaurants, and a one-mile fun run for kids 12 and under.

Entry forms are available at the Broyhill Wellness Center, 232 Boone Heights Drive, or you can download a form from www.healthpromotion.appstate.edu. Early registration closed on Wednesday, July 23, so the fee after is $20. Participants are encouraged to park at the Watauga County Swim Complex, 231 Complex Drive, and follow the signs to the course.

Want To Go?

Date: Saturday July 26 at
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Location: Greenway Trail, Parking at Watauga County Swim Complex
Cost: $20