Inaugural Run for Women 5K a Success
The Women’s Engagement Council held its first public event on August 28, 2022. The Run for Women 5K run/walk drew nearly 200 participants who completed the 3.1-mile course in Behrend’s Knowledge Park.
Among the highlights: Berkey Creamery ice cream at the finish line, courtesy of the Athletics Department, and Nittany Lion shaped awards that were designed and 3-D printed by students in the college’s James R. Meehl Innovation Commons. The Black School of Business provided funds to buy much of the race equipment that can now be used year to year.
“WEC is all about supporting and lifting women around them, so board members enthusiastically embraced making this event happen at Behrend,” said race director Heather Cass, Publications Manager at Behrend and a WEC board member. “It was great to have a whole committee of women leaders to work with and the event was a tremendous success. Everyone from the volunteers to the participants told us that they had a great time.”
A few comments from participants:
- Such a fantastic race and a great course. It was my first 5K after having recovered from an injury. I wanted this race to be “the one.” I’m so glad it was. ~ Amy Bailey
- Absolutely wonderful race! Thank you so, so much. ~ Molly Thomas
- Excellent race! Great course. So well organized and lots of goodies at the end! ~ Bethany Kelley
- Great event! We’ll be there next year. ~ Lisa Shade
- I thought it was a fantastic race! Nothing needs changed! Great work to the whole planning team! ~ Leanne Morton
The run/walk will become a signature event for the Women’s Engagement Council, which was formed in 2020. Two dozen women sit on the board of directors, and membership in the general council is growing since it opened in 2022.
“Behrend values diversity, equity, and inclusion, and WEC was developed to be a resource to the college, to offer a woman’s perspective and voice,” said Melanie Ford, president of the WEC board and director of Youth Education Outreach at the college. “Behrend’s leadership has embraced our vision, and we look forward to growing our network of women.”
The council’s mission is four-fold: to encourage women to become more actively involved in the life of the college; to serve as a resource for Behrend students; to enhance the personal and professional goals of its members, and to showcase Behrend’s accomplishments, particularly those related to women’s achievements.
The 2nd annual Run for Women 5K is scheduled for August 27, 2023. Register at Active.com.
2022 Results
The top male and female finishers were both Behrend students: Lindsey Hartle, 18 (21:41), and Luke Dillen, 22 (20:46). Complete race results can be found at Big White Trailer timing.
2022 Race Photos
See all the photos from the 2022 Run for Women 5K at the event blog.