The “5K with Dr. K” will begin at 4 p.m. Thursday, May 10, near the College’s turf field next to the Roos House Athletic Center. The course will include the scenic cross-country trails bordering the Grasse River. The race and the walk are free and open to the public, but pre-registration is strongly encouraged.

“There are a number of ways we encourage healthy lifestyles on campus,” Kennedy said. “We have spinning classes in our brand-new fitness center, healthy food options, and we are moving toward a tobacco free environment. Of everything we do, this race is my favorite event to promote fitness on campus and in our community.”

The first 25 registrants will receive a free t-shirt. Registration is available online at: http://www.canton.edu/challenge/

Kennedy is an avid runner who participates in numerous community-sponsored races.

Last year, the inaugural “5K with Dr. K” attracted approximately 120 runners and walkers from both the College and the area. On campus, the race has inspired good-natured rivalry among faculty, staff, and students.

For more information contact: Farren Davis at 315-379-3902, or davisf@canton.edu.

Participants competed on SUNY Canton’s scenic 3.1-mile women’s cross country race course which is comprised of trails behind the campus and along the Grasse River, an uphill battle near the new apartment-style residence halls, and a finish down near the soccer fields and new athletic complex.

“I was thrilled with the turnout and seeing so many familiar faces from the College as well as the community,” Kennedy said. “The weather fully cooperated with us and every participant was smiling as they crossed the finish line. It was a great way to show people that exercise can be fun and I am already looking forward to doing this again next year.”

Kennedy was the top finisher in his age group. SUNY Canton men’s cross country runner Justin Richardson, class of 2013, finished first overall with a time of 18:40. The top women’s finisher was Kristin Shumway (23:02).

The race was one of many events taking place at the College this semester as part of the campus-wide Wellness Initiative, sponsored by the Student Affairs division. Kennedy, an avid runner, was an integral part of starting the Initiative, which has been put in place for students, faculty and staff to help encourage healthy habits that allow the mind, body and spirit to perform at their highest level.

Race Results (includes top-three finishers in each age group):

MEN: 19 & Under

1. Scott Jeffers
2. Brennan Dellanore
3. Harrison DeRuggiero McGuiness

MEN: Ages 20-29

1. Justin Richardson
2. Michael Zelyez
3. Daniel Romlein

MEN: Ages 30-39

1. John Kennedy
2. Kenneth Burd
3. Brandon DaVock

MEN: Ages 40-49

1. Will Glass
2. Scott Toth
3. Randy Sieminski

MEN: Ages 50-59

1. Jeff Weeks
2. Rick Bucalo

MEN: Ages 60+

1. Joseph Kennedy
2. Toby Irven

WOMEN: 19 & Under

1. Maria Ricalton
2. Melinda Whitty
3. 3. Erin Conklin

WOMEN: Ages 20-29

1. Kristin Shumway
2. Jacqueline Danis
3. Katie Kennedy

WOMEN: Ages 30-39

1. Lorenda Prier
2. Mary Beth Sieminski
3. Jennifer Flint

WOMEN: Ages 40-49

1. Heather MacKinnon
2. Louise Parks
3. Jennifer McDonald

WOMEN: Ages 50-59

1. Nadia Marano
2. Valerie Sestir
3. Susan Law

WOMEN: Ages 60+

1. Patricia Cassara

Dr. Joseph L. Kennedy, president of the College, is hosting the first ever ‘President’s 5K Run/Walk Challenge on Thursday, May 12 on the SUNY Canton campus. Runners will begin the race near the seating at the soccer field at 4:00 p.m. Those planning to walk will have a 4:05 p.m. start. The course will include a combination of grass and wooded trails throughout the campus.

“I have many responsibilities to the campus and broader community and one of them is to emphasize healthier ways to live,” Kennedy said. “There’s no better way to educate people on the importance of exercise than to actually run along with them. My hope is to get as many students, faculty and staff involved as possible and make this an annual race that everyone looks forward to participating in.”

The race is one of many events taking place at the College as part of the campus-wide Wellness Initiative, sponsored by the Student Affairs division. Kennedy, an avid runner, was an integral part of starting the Initiative, which has been put in place for students, faculty and staff to help encourage healthy habits that allow the mind, body and spirit to perform at their highest level.

The race is free and registration is encouraged but not required. The first 25 registrants will receive a free t-shirt. To register for the race, visit http://www.canton.edu/challenge/.

For more information, contact Lisa E. Colbert, senior staff associate, at 315-386-7327 or colbertl@canton.edu.