D-UP 5K: Running to raise money for charity
By Faith Foushee// Staff Writer
On April. 4, students, faculty, and people from the High Point community participated in the annual 5K sponsored by the Exercise Science Club, Employee Wellness and the Student Government Association. Donations from the race go to benefit D-UP, a local nonprofit organization whose purpose is to teach children and teens about the importance of nutrition and exercise.
The race began in the lower Millis Parking lot, and it continued around the entirety of campus. Students, faculty and dogs alike enjoyed the beautiful evening as they traveled and watched the sunset in High Point. All participants received a navy blue T-shirt and a goodie bag that many runners and walkers sported during the race.
Before and after the race, participants had the opportunity to talk to people from Pure Barre and ILoveKickboxing about special promotions and other opportunities to encourage exercise and a healthy lifestyle. There were also bananas, oranges and water for a post-run snack.
“The Exercise Science Club works hard every year to raise money for D-UP because we believe in the mission of the organization, and want to do whatever we can to support their efforts,” said Kimberly Reich, an associate professor in exercise science at HPU and advisor to the Exercise Science Club.
D-UP’s volunteers, children and teens rode over to campus in vans to participate in the race. They were excited to be on campus, smiling as they went about the course.
“It was really fun,” said Mariyah Johnson, member of the D-UP’s program for several years. “I have been doing the D-UP 5K run and walk for three years, and it’s always a little bit different and fun each year.”
As D-UP is a growing organization, it has already made an impact on the community that it supports.
“D-UP is truly grassroots and makes such a difference in the community, and every little bit of funding helps,” said Reich. “Every year, the race is a large contributor to the funds that support D-UP’s mission.”
HPU and D-UP will continue to grow their relationship to support their initiative and reach their goals. Plans are in place for this event to return next year.
Exercise Science Club, D-UP volunteers and children ran and walked on HPU’s campus to make a difference. Some even brought their canine companions to join in on the fun. Photos by Faith Foushee