First 5K Stride for Aggie Pride supports scholarships

UC Davis will host its first 5K Stride for Aggie Pride, on Sunday, April 7, to raise money for scholarships and emergency funding for students in need. All proceeds from the 3.1-mile run/walk event, which is being led by UCD students, will go toward scholarships offered through the Associated Students of UCD and awards provided through the We Are Aggie Pride student organization.

“UC Davis students and staff were motivated to start this new Aggie tradition, to find a fun way to raise funds for scholarships and UC Davis students in need,” said student Artem Trotsyuk, the lead organizer of Stride for Aggie Pride and a student assistant to Chancellor Linda Katehi. “Those who participate in this family-friendly event will enjoy some exercise, explore our beautiful campus and promote a good cause all at the same time.”

The race course will begin at the West Quad and loop through campus, including the Arboretum. Race events will begin with group stretches at 9 a.m. with celebrities such as UCD’s mascot, Gunrock. The race is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m.

“We are so proud of our students who are leading the way in building a culture of philanthropy on campus,” said Shaun Keister, vice chancellor of development and alumni relations. “Through their actions, they are affirming that giving back is an important part of what it means to be an Aggie.”

A series of events are planned for participants including entertainment by The Afterglow, a men’s a cappella group; the Japanese Taiko Drum Ensemble; The Golden Turtle Lion Dance Association; and a Nigerian dance group.

Campus departments, and local and regional businesses will have booths at the event and offer hands-on activities. Registered participants will be eligible for drawings for prizes, including a Kaplan academic prep course, San Francisco Giants and Sacramento Kings gear, Oakland A’s VIP tickets, campus fitness classes, iPods, UC Davis Stores gift cards, an Akasha Yoga gift certificate and Mondavi Center tickets.

Registration costs $30 for nonstudents and $15 for students. More information about the event, including online registration and directions for parking, can be found at http://5k.ucdavis.edu.

All funds raised through the Stride for Aggie Pride run count toward The Campaign for UC Davis, the university’s first comprehensive fundraising campaign that seeks to raise $1 billion from 100,000 donors by December 2014.