Runners Out in Force at Fun Run

By Emily Schultz

Santa Clara's Bronco Bench Foundation hosted the first ever 5K and 10K Fun Run on campus this past Sunday. With over 200 participants running in the morning race, the Bronco Bench Foundation deemed the event a success that it will look to repeat in the coming years.

Prizes were awarded to the fastest male and female participants in all six age divisions for both the 5K and 10K. At the finish line, runners and walkers were applauded by the Santa Clara men's basketball team and congratulated over a microphone by Bronco Bench Foundation Executive Director Rusty Weekes. As music played over speakers for the finishers, long-sleeved shirts commemorating the event and breakfast foods were handed out to the 200 plus participants. 

At one point, Weekes announced that the Bronco Bench Foundation plans to recreate the Fun Run "every Super Bowl Sunday for years to come!" Weekes stated that the successful turnout for the inaugural event is promising for the Fun Run's future, as he expects an exponential increase in contestants in future Fun Runs.

The Bronco Bench Foundation, which helps provide scholarships for Santa Clara's student athletes, is currently celebrating its 50th anniversary. The Foundation has been looking for new ways to raise money and appeal to more students, faculty and members of the local community. Weekes, who graduated from Santa Clara in 1971, believes a Fun Run is "a perfect way to make an event for everyone."

The Bronco Bench Foundation was certainly successful in seeking a broad participant base, as adults, children, babies in strollers, dogs and students assembled for the event. Several Santa Clara sports teams were in attendance, including the cross-country, cheer, women's golf and volleyball, and men's basketball and rugby teams. A few players even dressed up for the occasion, emphasizing the lively nature of the beautiful morning. 

Volunteers provided refreshments at several stations throughout the course, and members of the cross-country team stood at every turn to guide the racers. Occasionally, members of the cheer and dance teams provided encouragement and applauded the participants.

Contact Emily Schultz at eschultz@scu.edu.