Participants for the University’s annual Gold Rush Homecoming 5K totaled 724 students, faculty/staff, alumni and area community members, setting a record for attendance.
The Recreational Services Department, which sponsors the race, raised nearly $5,000 in race proceeds for student development scholarships, and participants donated $600 for the American Red Cross.
Kemet Gatchell, assistant director for promotions and special events for recreational services and race director, said, “I think the overlap with Homecoming was fortuitous (the race took place the morning of Feb. 2, just hours before the men’s basketball game), but I also think word has gotten out about how fun an experience this race is. In the past few years, we’ve built up a loyal base of regular participants, and I’m sure they made this year’s turnout that much better.”
A post-race survey of 2012 participants indicated that 35 percent of runners said they’d found out about the race from another runner.
This year’s record participation was a significant increase from the past two years, when roughly 500 runners/walkers attended.
Gatchell, who led race marketing efforts, mentioned increased visibility on and around campus might have contributed to this year’s success. “I put signs out on the Mallard Creek Greenway for the first time this year, and we tried a few new things, virtual race bags for one. Whatever the reason—the timing was right, the signage helped—everything definitely added up.”