Pacific Index

The SAE looks forwards to their second annual Earth Day Fun Run on April 19^th

   Sprinting towards us is the Students for Environmental Activism’s (SEA) second Earth Day Fun Run. All students and surrounding community members are encouraged to join in on the event in the hopes that people will get a chance to experience the power behind collective activism and feel a greater attachment to the environment around them. 

   The SAE has diligently been working on organizing this event for months now, hammering out every detail so that everything runs smoothly. The 5k race will begin outside of Stoller Center at 9 am on April 19 and finish up near the UC. To get racers pumped up for the miles ahead, there will be live music, snacks, and activities at the UC for when participants cross the finish line. 

Even if you’re not the biggest fan of running, there are good reasons to join in on the event. All registration proceeds will be donated to Ground Score Association, a nonprofit that focuses on utilizing low-barrier waste management and does so by recruiting those facing work or housing insecurities. The cause goes beyond the 3 miles, supporting the community and environment in one. Registration is $12 for adults and $7 for children and students, and for those who register early there’s a chance to win a free T-shirt. 

   Emma Seres, a member of SAE, affirms the importance of this event. “This event is especially meaningful to me because it represents the power of collective action,” she shares. Seres has been very excited about the opportunity to work on the event with a group of people who share a deep passion for the environment and building outdoor engagement. Over the long months of planning, she’s attended countless meetings and gotten the opportunity to collaborate with the Dean of Student Engagement and Inclusion, Pete Erschen, as well as the SAE Club Advisor and Head of the Environmental Sciences Department, Rich Van Buskirk. There’s no doubt that a lot of work and passion has gone into this run. 

   “By bringing people together to appreciate and care for our natural world,” Seres begins. “It’s a chance to make a tangible impact while strengthening our community’s connection to the environment.” This event is the definition of creating positive community impact and the SAE is beyond ready to get the race started.