By Megan Ryan
Every year since 2007, a group of KU students have worked together to plan the annual Race Against Racism 5K on campus. The goal of this event is to raise awareness about the issues of racism and end acts of intolerance.
This year’s race was dubbed “Together We Run,” and will be held Saturday, April 18 on the DMZ. On-sight registration will be held from 8–9 a.m., opening ceremonies will be at 8:45 a.m. and the 5K run/walk will begin at 9 a.m.
Amanda Fretz, who started the race at KU and advised it from 2007 to 2011 said, “At the time it began, the KU community had faced a number of acts of discrimination and violence, so students wanted to make a statement to the community that the acts were not representative of the entire KU community.”
All money raised from the event will be donated to the Boys & Girls Club of Berks County. “The decision to donate to the Boys and Girls Club came because this was an organization that helped teach the youth about the importance of equality and acceptance of everyone,” said Fretz.
KU junior and race committee member Alex Fabian said, “I joined [Race Against Racism] because I think it’s a good cause for the Boys and Girls Club of Berks County, and I want to spread more awareness to end acts of racism.”
A new tradition will start the night before the 5K. On Friday, April 17, an awareness event/team poster decorating will take place in South Dining Hall from 5-8 p.m. At this event, participants can make posters to promote their team while listening to a diversity speaker.
Anyone is invited to participate in the 5K. Those interested can sign up on KUnited. The race costs $15 for KU students or $10 per member by registering with a team. Those who sign up by April 3 will be guaranteed a free t-shirt.
Runners may also register the day of the event between 8 and 9 a.m. on the DMZ, but it will cost an extra $5.
Checks can be made out to KUSSI with “Race Against Racism” in the memo line and must be dropped off to KUSSI in the McFarland Student Union Building.
For more information or questions, contact Tiffany Gerlach, the current advisor, at tgerlach@kutztown.edu. Those interested can also follow @KutztownRAR on twitter and like “The 9th Annual Race Against Racism” on Facebook for updates on the event.
