Kinesiology charity run raised $500

Not even the lore of sleeping in on a Sunday morning could stop more than 150 students and Michigan residents from participating in the 5th annual Run Around the Diag for charity yesterday.

The run, which consisted of a 5K, 10K, 2-mile walk and a relay of 4 by 1 miles, helped raise more than $500 for the Division of Kinesiology Emergency Scholarship Fund and the Peace Neighborhood Center.

Owner of Elmo's T-shirts Elmo Morales, a 1968 Kinesiology graduate, co-founded the run.

"The race is a vehicle to fundraise for the School of Kinesiology and the Peace Neighborhood center," Morales said. "I believe in helping until it helps."

In addition to raising money for charities, RATD gives Kinesiology students experience in sports management and marketing. Kinesiology students who helped organize the run earned two credit hours in the school.

LOUIS BROWN/Daily Ann Arbor resident Karen Burek and her daughter, Elizabeth Stemphar, take part in yesterday's Run Around the Diag.

"RATD was originally started to give Kinesiology students experience with marketing in sports," said Brad Brady, co-founder of RATD. "It's just putting to practice what they learn in the classroom."

The idea to run around the Diag to raise money was Morales' vision, Brady said.

The run, which had 17 local sponsors, was not limited to University students or Ann Arbor residents.

"We had people from Detroit and a group of students from Michigan State (University) sign up," said Kinesiology senior Kelly Henderson, this year's race director.

Henderson added that it is important to help the Peace Neighborhood center and Kinesiology students who may have a difficult time paying for their education.

Besides raising money and providing students with marketing experience, RATD is also a "good way to promote physical fitness," Morales said.

"I'm trying to get in shape for the Dexter-Ann Arbor race on Memorial Day," said Steve Hewlitt, a 30-year resident of Ann Arbor.

Kinesiology alumnus Johnny Jewels, the first-place male winner in the 10K run, said he just wanted to give something back to the school.

"I usually spend Sundays eating donuts in bed," Jewels said.

Many of the participants, after running, stationed themselves at different sections of the race course to cheer on fellow runners.

"The cheering and friend support helped me to finish," said LSA junior Therese Houlahan, the first place female winner of the 10K race.

As for next year, Morales said the number of runners will increase. Before founding the RATD, Morales help found the Dexter Ann Arbor Race in 1974.

"We started with 179 people and with our 25th running we have 4,000 people," Morales said.

Brady also said this run will last a long time, if students and runners continue to support it.

"The experience is the main key," Brady added. "It's a fun race and its getting the word out about kinesiology - about movement."

04-20-98