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.”
