Supporters Gearing Up to
Go the Distance for Chancellor's 5K

October 10, 2006

By Karen M. Gajewski

To raise funds for University of California, San Diego undergraduate scholarships, more than 1,500 runners and walkers are expected to lace-up their sneakers and participate in the11th annual Chancellor’s Challenge 5K Run/Walk for Scholars on Friday, October 20, 2006 at
12:15 p.m.

Memories from the 2005 UCSD Chancellor's Challenge 5K Run/Walk for Scholars, hosted by Chancellor Marye Anne Fox. Photo credit: Kevin Walsh

Since the inaugural run in 1996, the event has raised more than $1.5 million for more than 600 undergraduate scholarships. Funds raised this year also contribute to the $1 billion fundraising goal of The Campaign for UCSD: Imagine What’s Next. Now in the final year of the campaign, the campus remains $15 million shy of the $100 million campaign goal for student support. The Chancellor’s 5K is an important fundraising opportunity to help the university increase scholarship funds for promising students who may not be able to attend UCSD without private support.

UCSD Chancellor Marye Anne Fox has set the fundraising bar high for this year’s race and has challenged the UCSD and local San Diego community in several ways, all with the goal of raising much-needed scholarship funds for talented undergraduates.

The Chancellor’s challenges are:

• If the event participation surpasses last year’s number of runners/walkers (1,527), Chancellor Fox will personally donate $5,000 to scholarships.
• For every $50,000 raised in event sponsorship, the Chancellor will add $5,000 from the Chancellor’s Associates fund, up to $20,000.
• If more than 600 students register for the event, the Chancellor will contribute to the Associated Students BBQ event. If the students do not meet this challenge, the Associated Students officers will have to wash the Chancellor’s car.

Top runners will not be the only winners at this year’s event. Event participants and attendees will also have a chance to win great prizes – including American Airlines tickets – as part of the Top Ten Reasons to Love UCSD promotions at the race. Fifty 5K participants in bright yellow t-shirts that list the “Top Ten Reasons to Love UCSD” will be circulating through the runners and walkers during the event. Simply remember at least one reason and email it to stuaffairsdev@ucsd.edu before 5:00 p.m. on October 23rd for a chance to win. For details on how to participate, visit www.ucsd.edu/5K.

The run/walk course starts at the North Campus Field, adjacent to UCSD’s Recreation and Intramural Complex (RIMAC), weaves through the scenic UCSD campus and ends back at the North Campus Field for festivities, announcement of the winners and lunch for participants.

Registration for students is $10 in advance, $15 day of event; for all other participants, the fee is $15 in advance, $20 day of event. For more information and to register, please visit: www.ucsd.edu/5K or call (858) 534-0263.

 

Media Contacts:
Judy Piercey, (858) 534-6128
Karen M. Gajewski, (858) 822-3353