First annual 5k Hawk Run

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Matt Mion

HCC Hawk Run participants prepare for the start of the 5k run.

  On Feb. 27, 2016, Hillsborough Community College Brandon Campus organized its first annual HCC Hawk Run. “Our goal is to promote healthy living in our community at HCC,” said Professor Beth McCullough, organizer of the HCC event.

  “We spent over six months planning for the event,” said Hannah Lipps, Health Major and President of the HCC AMSA prehealth chapter. She continues, “It was a combined effort, and we could not have gotten it done if it wasn’t for the numerous man hours and individuals who gave their time.”

  The run started promptly at 8 a.m. with late registration beginning as early as 6 a.m. Several HCC students from various campuses registered to be a part of this run.

  Apart from the run, the students set up an art gallery in the main cafeteria. The works focused on bringing different health issues to light in a creative way.

  For one artist, this meant creating a piece that explained her relationship with her one of her animals, and how it helped her cope after she was diagnosed with Lupus.

  Additionally, the students created a competition where volunteers could submit a poster board explaining a specific medical issue. These subjects ranged from well-known health to lesser known issues.

  In addition to the race and art competitions, several vendors promoting healthy living set up booths outside in the parking lot. There was also a blood mobile for those who wished to donate blood after the event.

  For those who did not want to participate in 5k, there was a walk-a-thon that started 8:45 a.m right after the runners took off. All participants were given a race t-shirt, a fi nisher medal, and post-race food.

  There was a great atmosphere to the event. Excited students buzzed about, discussing the various health issues they had seen in the art galleries. “We had a great turnout for the event,” said McCullough. She added, “Early estimates are that over $1,500 had been raised.”

  The hard work and dedication of this team was clearly evident in the detail and care of this event. Everything ran smoothly, and it was evident from the participant’s faces that they were excited to be a part of something bigger than themselves.

  For many students, they had just found a new cause they can believe in that is good for them both physically and academically.

  Next year, McCullough hopes the HCC Hawk Run will continue to expand and grow in participation. The club will continue to strive to bring their goal of Healthy Living to the HCC community.

  The HCC Hawk Run was sponsored through the generosity of the Suncoast Credit Union, Panera Bread, Wolfe’s Produce and the HCC Student Government Association.

  The event is designed to benefi t all HCC students. All proceeds raised go to the Hillsborough Community College foundation for HCC Student Scholarships.