The Daily Bulletin Archive

It’s almost spring—time to head outdoors! So why not start by taking part in this year’s 11th annual Bengal 5K Run and Fun Walk on Saturday, March 15? Register by March 12 to get a discount on your registration fee.

“We had so much fun last year,” said Marion Barnett, associate professor of elementary education and reading. “This year, our team is having T-shirts made.” Elementary education was one of the faculty/staff teams last year. (Teams must register by March 12.) Last year, more than 50 faculty and staff took part, along with 85 alumni and more than 100 students.

In fact, the 2007 Bengal 5K broke all attendance and sponsorship records. “We also raised a record $9,600 for the Alumni Association’s Legacy Scholarship fund,” said Jennifer Small, race director and assistant director of alumni affairs.

Ben Palka, Class of 2009, qualifies for the scholarship because his father attended Buffalo State. “The scholarship helped me pay for my textbooks,” said Palka, “and allowed me to do extracurricular activities, too. So thanks to the Alumni Association and everyone who supports us!”

Perks for Buffalo Staters
Special awards are given to several Buffalo State participants: the faculty/staff team with the fastest overall time, based on the top five finishers; the faculty/staff team with the largest number of participants, including volunteers; the top male and female faculty/staff finishers; the top male and female alumni finishers; and the top male and female student finishers. Awards are also given to the student group with the largest number of runners and walkers, and the student group with the most volunteers.

“Last year,” said Small, “student groups from Residence Life, USG, men’s hockey, the Chemistry Club, GASPA, and Sigma Phi Epsilon were among those who took part.”

Queen City Triple Crown
The Bengal 5K Run and Fun Walk follows a 3.1-mile course around the campus, a course described as “fast and flat.” It’s part of the Queen City Triple Crown, which includes the Chilly Challenge, staged by Canisius High School, and Canisius College’s Shoes for the Shelter.

The fastest time last year was 15 minutes, 43 seconds.

Participants’ time is recorded as they cross the finish line, thanks to a computer chip in each runner’s shoe. Results will be available at the post-race Bengal Brunch. Awards are given to the top overall male/female finisher and the top three male and female finishers in each age group.

Remember, you can walk the route, too. For safety reasons, in-line skates, dogs, and strollers are not allowed.

Mylous Hairston, ’86, news anchor at WIVB-TV, will shoot the starting gun at 9:30 a.m., and Howard Simon, ’84, host of WGR-AM 550 sports radio’s morning show, will serve as master of ceremonies at the post-race party.

Fun Stuff
Participants will get a free goodie bag, and the first 450 registrants will receive a designer T-shirt. The post-race Bengal Brunch, which starts at 10:00 a.m., is free to participants. Guests and late risers can enjoy the brunch for $5. Last year, door prizes included restaurant gift certificates, fitness memberships, and running apparel.

Lend a Hand
If it’s still too early in the season to go 3.1 miles under your own steam, please lend a hand. Volunteers are needed to help with day-of-race registration, chip collection, distributing door prizes, and brunch. Last year, more than half the volunteers were students.

To register or find out more, please contact Jennifer Small, (716) 878-6001, or visit the Alumni Affairs Web site.