Radford University Carilion hosts inaugural Tartan 5K: A Twilight Run

As the sun began edging toward the horizon on Friday, Sept. 20, it cast a golden glow on a group of runners and walkers assembling on the Tinker Creek Greenway at Fallon Park in Roanoke.

The group, composed of students, faculty and staff from Radford University's Roanoke and Radford locations, as well as friends and supporters from the region, came together for the Inaugural Tartan 5K: A Twilight Run.

The timed "glo-race," hosted by the Office of Student Affairs of Radford University at Carilion (RUC), was held just before sunset to capture the magical atmosphere of the oncoming early fall evening. Approximately 100 people participated in the event, which raised funds for well-being initiatives and scholarships for Radford students in Roanoke. In addition, the race was held to support the work of future and current healthcare workers, many of whom are Radford students.

It began with some words of welcome and encouragement from Radford University President Bret Danilowicz, who also ran in the race. He was joined in the run by other Radford University leaders, including Provost Bethany Usher, Dean of the Waldron College of Health and Human Services Ken Cox, Associate Dean of the Waldron College of Health and Human Services Glen Mayhew and Chair of the Dance Department James Robey.

"Events like this are incredibly important for both our campus and the Roanoke community," said Elizabeth Costa, associate director for Student Engagement in RUC Student Affairs. "This race brings us together to celebrate one another and show Highlander pride. It increases awareness and visibility of Radford University in Roanoke and creates an investment in the local Roanoke community."

Sarah-Marie Johnson, a special purpose faculty member in the Department of Occupational Therapy, agreed.

"I have never participated in a 5K before, but I was interested in being involved in a Radford event that was close to where I live and work," Johnson said. "I was also eager to share the Tartan 5K with family and friends to spread the Highlander spirit. I wanted to challenge myself in a new way with support from the Radford community and to show support for Radford events in Roanoke."

The plan is for the Tartan 5K to become an annual event in the Star City. The route took participants through just over three miles of southern Roanoke via the Roanoke Valley Greenways - a network of more than 400 miles of paved and natural surface trails throughout the city and county. Along the way, volunteers cheered the runners and walkers while passing them water. For second-year Master of Occupational Therapy student Tasha Pressler, that was one of her favorite parts.

"I appreciated the encouragement from the volunteers along the route," Pressler said. "It was helpful and kept me motivated."

Pressler said she joined the Tartan 5K because a friend helped create and organize it, but that it was also a great way to get back into running again-a hobby she had lost track of due to the demands of her graduate program.

Morris Niday, RUC's lead information technology specialist in Information Technology Services, also had personal reasons for joining the race.

"I was lucky enough to overcome a battle with cancer this year," Niday said. "For me, this was an opportunity to show my appreciation to the medical team that was there for me and worked so hard to achieve a positive outcome for myself and my family. It was also a chance to prove to myself that I was okay after everything and could push my body again and work to make myself stronger."

Niday echoes that the feeling of community among the participants at the Tartan 5K was a highlight.

"Everyone was cheering each other on before, during and after the race," he recalled. "It was a very relaxed and friendly environment."

Costa was impressed with the variety of people the event brought together.

"Seeing students, faculty and staff from both locations running and volunteering together was really inspiring," she said. "We also had so much support from Radford alumni and the local running community, which really created this great energy and atmosphere at the race. Everyone felt like family - it was a wonderful experience to be a part of."

Johnson added that it was a gorgeous evening for a run and that she really enjoyed the opportunity to connect with people within and connected to Radford and Roanoke.

"The outpouring of support, enthusiasm and pride from everyone who was involved was what I enjoyed most," Johnson said. "There was an excitement that was easily felt throughout the entire event, and I can't wait to participate next year in this new tradition at Radford University."

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