Participants of the Sac State 5k Fun Run support those affected in the Boston Marathon bombings
![Herky giving out high fives to the runners.](https://statehornet.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/fa71baec1b58622ce9335d783767f1b7.jpg)
Herky giving out high fives to the runners.
April 21, 2013
After a moment of silence for Boston, the 5K Fun Run began at The Well on Sac State’s campus with various groups and ages.
Community members and Sac State students gathered with friends and family as they prepared for their run to meet personal goals or just run for the enjoyment.
“I’m running for Boston and all the family and friends who were affected by what happened,” said junior kinesiology major Mel Nguyen. “This event was at the perfect time.”
Ribbons were distributed to all the attendees of the 5K Fun Run which represented the Boston marathon.
Nguyen ran along side her friend, senior social work major Hue Nguyen, who was the reason she signed up for the event.
“This is my third time running the 5k Fun Run,” Hue said. “I have a goal I want to meet for my running time so I’m really excited about this event.”
Many others came in groups to represent causes among the Sacramento community and on Sac State’s campus.
With this being her first time running the 5K Fun Run, senior sociology major Sarah Sheefel ran along side a group held on campus.
“I am here to represent the Pride Center and our ‘Out in the Locker Room’ cause,” Sheefel said. “We understand that it is a serious thing for people who are even still too afraid to come out so I am here to support the LGBT community.”
Some students also came to the 5K Fun Run in costume to show their spirit for the run.
Senior Nutrition major Scott Sandy came dressed as the popular cartoon television show character, Finn from Adventure Time.
“This is my first time running in the 5K Fun Run for Sac State,” Sandy said. “I had fun and if I’m still around in Sac next year then I will definitely participate again.”
Sandy was alongside his two friends junior history major Keith Longeuay and junior computer engineer major Conner McKinze – both were dressed as bananas.
“This is our second time participating in the 5k Fun Run,” Longeuay said. “Last year we were dressed as a mariachi band and it was pretty great.”
McKinze said he wished more people dressed up this year.
“Hopefully next year more people will come out in spirit.”
Along with the excitement of the 5K Fun Run, there were many booths around including the sponsor for The Well – The University Village apartments.
Junior business major Colin Miller works as a community assistant at the University Village and was working at the booth.
“This is the first year UV has been a sponsor for the 5K Fun Run and we were its top sponsor this year,” Miller said. “We hope to help sponsor more events for the future with The Well.”
Miller was giving away ‘swag bags’ at the University Village booth that included various things from the apartment complex.
University Village assistant general manager Tranell Chavis said, “We like promoting The Well because we believe in living well and helping each other.”
It didn’t take long for the first place male Liem Nguyen to come through the finish line at 16:32 minutes or for Dominique Ratto who came in as the first female at 19:22 minutes.
“The environment here is great and I am so glad that I participated,” said Sarah Sheefel.