IUP Warrior 5K and annual Homecoming BBQ to take place

The IUP Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC), along with cosponsors service fraternity, Rho Tau Chi and GingerBreadMan Running Co. are, for the first time, sponsoring a Warrior 5K run and Barbecue to kick off IUP’s homecoming weekend.

Both the 5K race and barbecue are on Oct. 5th, simultaneously starting at 4 p.m., with both events starting just outside of Pierce Hall.

The barbecue is free for both runners and anyone else who wishes to join.  

Rho Tav Chi will be accepting donations during the barbecue for those who would like to contribute to the Wounded Warriors Project.  

“As racers finish they can help themselves to the free barbecue, but the barbecue is also there for any folks who want to come,” Captain Justin Mullins, Aviation, IUP ROTC Enrollment Officer, stated. “It’s for those interested in coming and supporting Wounded Warriors Project, and hanging out and kicking off their Homecoming weekend with us.” 

The Wounded Warrior Project is a nation-wide organization, whose mission is ‘to honor and empower wounded warriors.’

Rho Tav Chi, which is affiliated with the ROTC, has been donating to the Wounded Warrior Project for the past couple of years.  

When asked about the reasoning behind the 5K and barbecue combination, Captain Mullins said, “We’re doing the run, one, because we’re all affiliated with the army, so we’re interested in fitness, so it’s kind of like bringing a fitness component to Homecoming.”

“We’re also doing the run to raise funds to help support the Wounded Warriors project.  So 100 percent of our proceeds, we’re donating it to the Wounded Warriors Project.”

“The barbecue is just kind of a cool thing to do, I think,” Captain Mullins said. “Folks can come out of their dorms, get some barbecue and hang out before they go out to their Homecoming festivities for the night.  And then it’s there for the runners after the race to enjoy.”

The sponsors are anticipating around 150-200 people to show up for the run and barbecue.  

After the run, there will be an awards ceremony.  

Prizes are awarded to the top three female finalists as well as the top three male finalists.  

Anyone who participates in the 5K receives a free T-shirt.  

Registration for the 5K is $13.25 through Oct. 4th, and $15 for registration on the day of the event.  

To participate in the 5K run, registration opportunities can be found by visiting Pierce Hall, or online by visiting the event’s very own Facebook page.