Senior biology and ecology environmental science major Ivan E. Penado runs with senior health promotion major Rachel A. Vandenende as they prepare for the Slow Food, Fast Runners 5K run. All proceeds from the run will go to Slow Food, an organization that supports living off locally grown food. Photo by Amy Birner | The Appalachian

Appalachian State University’s running club will host its first 5k event, titled “Slow Food Fast Runners” Saturday, at 8:30 a.m. at Mayors Clawson and Burnley Park on the Greenway Trail. Rides will be provided from the Raley Traffic Circle at 7:45 a.m.

Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and costs $20.

A short yoga stretch session and raffles will be held after the race.

The race offers prizes for the top winners in each age division. The overall winner of the 5k will win a trip for two on a rafting or caving trip at River Earth Adventures, valued at $175.

“We’ve always talked about organizing a 5k and doing something just to get our name out there and let people know we are a club,” said Stephanie R. Logsdon, senior health promotion major and running club event coordinator.

All proceeds will benefit Slow Food High Country-Boone, part of a global organization which “works to advocate for farmers and artisans who grow, produce, market, prepare and serve wholesome food. The group seeks to raise public awareness, improve access and encourage the enjoyment of foods that are local, seasonal and sustainably grown,” according to slowfoodboone.wordpress.com.

Senior health promotion major and Slow Food Fast Runners participant Rachel A. Vandenende said the 5k is a good way to support local agriculture and farmers.

“I’m really excited about it. I don’t know a ton about the organization, but I do promote a lot of agriculture, local produce and local food. I’m excited that the proceeds are going toward that,” she said.

Senior biology/ecology and environmental biology major Ivan E. Penado has been loosely affiliated with the running club for four years and plans to participate in the race.

“I think it’s really funny because a lot of the time, I hear my friends say, ‘I’ll balance out my unhealthy lifestyle with running,’ and like, I feel like they go hand-in-hand,” Penado said.

Story: KELLI STRAKA, Senior Lifestyles Reporter
Photo: AMY BIRNER, The Appalachian