More than 1,500 expected for Campus Classic race

Oct. 9, 2009

KALAMAZOO--More than 1,500 runners, walkers and spectators will take to the streets around Western Michigan University the morning of Saturday, Oct. 24, for the 11th annual Homecoming Campus Classic 1K and 5K run/walk and kids' fun run through main campus.

Register now (through Thursday, Oct. 22)
Runners and walkers
Volunteers

One of the most popular homecoming events at WMU, the Campus Classic attracts students, alumni, campus faculty and staff, and supporters from the Kalamazoo community. According to race director Sue Beougher in WMU's Office of University Relations, the event debuted in 1999 with about 850 participants and has drawn 1,400 runners or more each of the past six years. About 250 volunteers assist with everything from handing out shirts to doling out water from the sidelines and helping as course marshals.

Raffle prizes

Everyone who enters the race or serves as a volunteer will be eligible for the prize drawing for one $500 travel voucher from AAA Travel.

Specifically for WMU students, 10 free campus parking permits also will be given away. A drawing for a number of prizes for children will be held immediately after the 1K run and walk. Participants must be present at the post-race drawing to be eligible for the AAA Travel voucher or parking passes. WMU students need to present their student ID and WIN number to claim their parking passes.

T-shirts and awards

All participants and volunteers receive complimentary T-shirts, and refreshments will be available in the Bernhard Center Ballroom after each race.

The top three finishers in each age group, the top three teams and overall male and female winners will receive a gift from Gazelle Sports.

Schedule of events

The 2009 Campus Classic begins at 8:15 a.m. in front of the Bernhard Center with a 1K walk and kids' fun run. Parents can accompany their children for free in this event.

At 9 a.m., WMU President John M. Dunn will fire the starting gun for hundreds of runners to begin pounding the pavement for the 5K run and walk. The Chrondtrack D-tag--an automatic disposable timing device--is used to time runners.

Registration and packet pickup

The easiest way to register for the race or to volunteer is by completing the online form available at wmich.edu/race. Online registration ends at 11:59 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22. Forms also are available from the Office of University Relations in 300 E. Walwood Hall and at select locations around campus and throughout the community.

Registration and packet pickup will take place from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, at Gazelle Sports on the mall in downtown Kalamazoo. Pickup and in-person late registration will continue from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, and 7 to 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, in Rooms 105 and 106 of the Bernhard Center. Doors to the registration area will close promptly at 9 a.m. on Saturday.

Sponsors for the 2009 Campus Classic are AAA Travel, Gazelle Sports, Biggby Coffee, Coca Cola, Kalamazoo Center for the Healing Arts, Panera, Pizza Hut, Subway, Taco Bell, WMU Catering and WMU Parking Services.

For more information, visit wmich.edu/race.

Adapted from: www.wmich.edu/wmu/news