Greeks run to fight against cerebral palsy

More than 100 runners and walkers came out to fight cerebral palsy on Friday for the first Phi Kappa Psi Fun Run. Phi Kappa Psi teamed up with the United Cerebral Palsy foundation of Terre Haute and raised more than $3,500 in sponsorships.

The Fun Run started at Seventh and Cherry streets where the runners took off on a course through Indiana State's campus. The run ended at Sixth and Cherry streets.

The winner of the event was freshman business administration major Jon Latta. James Grounds, a junior physical education major, placed second, and Andy Gray, an ISU alumnus, placed third.

The entrance fee was $20, and prizes and gift bags, including T-shirts were given away to those who participated.

David Mason, a senior criminal justice major and Phi Kappa Psi member, organized the event. Mason said he has always loved to run and started running at a young age. He wanted to have an event that incorporated his love for the sport and a great cause. "Hopefully this event gets bigger every year so we can help fight the fight against cerebral palsy and find a cure," Mason said.

"This entire event was David Mason's idea," said Lindsay Jarvis, vice president of United Cerebral Palsy for Terre Haute board of directors. "He and another board member go running together and they both wanted to find new ways to raise money. This is the first year for this and depending on the fraternity, I hope we can do it again every year. " "I used to run in high school so it was a chance to see if I could still compete," said Bart Robertson, a senior business administration major and Phi Kappa Psi member.

After the race, a beer garden was set up in the parking area of Phi Kappa Psi and drafts were being sold for $1. The event lasted until 2 a.m.

"This event is the first time we [Phi Kappa Psi] put on something this big, and I think the beer garden gets those who didn't run to come out and have a good time while still donating to United Cerebral Palsy," Robertson said.

The Terre Haute Road Runners, Dever Distributing and Pacesetter Sports were several of the vendors that helped make the event possible.

Along with local members of the Terre Haute community, ISU fraternity and sorority members also came out to compete in the event.

"I would definitely do this again," said Krystle Shelton, a senior marketing major and Alpha Omicron Pi member. Shelton ran the 5K and finished in the top 30. "It's been a really good experience and was for a good cause, so it was a win- win situation," she said.

( Paula Lowry is a senior political science major. She can be reached at sascamed@isugw.indstate.edu.)