Fall 2012 Newsletter Extended: "Get Your Glow On"
Live It, Protect It, Explore It!
View all Newsletters
RPTA "GETS ITS GLOW ON!"
By Hannah Baker (RPTA '13), Staff Writer
"Get Your Glow On" was the ongoing slogan for this year's Cal Poly Midnight 5K Fun Run. A group of nine students from Dr. Goldenberg's RPTA 210 class worked closely with the Special Olympics of San Luis Obispo County to put on the 5th annual event. With an 80's theme in place, there were volunteers and runners dressed to impress and supporting a good cause at the same time!
The process of creating the fun run started as soon as Fall Quarter began. Weekly meetings took place at the Special Olympics office with the students and the Special Olympics supervisors. Each student was involved in planning different aspects of the event such as registration, promotion, pre/post race activities, and sponsorship. Once the date was set for Wednesday, November 14th, it was time to spread the word. Flyers were hung up on bulletin boards throughout campus and a registration booth was set up during UU hours in the UU Plaza several times. What was very beneficial to the registration process this year was the use of active.com. This online website allowed for people to search for the fun run, sign up, and learn about other local activities as well.
The race course which twisted and turned throughout Cal Poly's campus remained the same from years prior, but the t-shirt designs changed drastically. Keeping with an 80's theme, it was decided that the t-shirts would have funky fonts, Converse high tops images, and would glow in the dark. In comparison to previous years' themes, the 80's vibe encouraged runners to dress up and have fun at the event.
Come 10:00pm on November 14th, there was a steady flow of participants either checking into the registration booth or signing up right then and there. The pre-event activities all took place in the Campus Market Plaza, which was lit up by Christmas lights strung from tree to tree. With a DJ playing the jams all night, runners had the chance to "get their groove on" out on the dance floor while drinking free Monster Energy Drinks. A big highlight of the night was the Zumba warm-up that took place just before the run. The warm-up took place on the packed dance floor as the certified Zumba instructor "busted" the moves.
When the clock struck midnight, the runners took off into the darkness. Volunteers were stationed at each corner of the course directing runners on which way to turn. With over 130 participants, wearing everything from tu-tu's to roller skates, it was quite a sight to see.
The finish line was lined with people cheering as the first place runner came storming through, obtaining a time of a little over 15 minutes. As each runner soon passed the finish line they were treated with Gatorade and water, goodie bags, and free Domino's Pizza. Hopefully those that participated in the fun run this year will continue to do so in the future, thus keeping the annual event popular and beneficial for the Special Olympics.
Make a Donation
Make a donation to the Recreation, Parks, & Tourism Administration Department!