Can You Rock the Run?

Allie Sanders
Kappa Delta

Calling all runners! It’s time to show off your skills. So dust off the old tennis shoes and stretch out those claves, because it’s time for 5KD!

Every year, Kappa Delta sisters across the nation host a Shamrock Event to raise money for Prevent Child Abuse America, one of four national philanthropies. Virginia Tech’s Epsilon Pi chapter will be hosting its ninth annual 5KD race on Saturday, March 24, at 11 a.m. Registration will begin at 10 a.m.

The race will kick off at Margaret Beeks Elementary School on Airport Road and continue across Blacksburg’s famous Huckleberry Trail. Runners will make their way back to the school to sprint across the finish line. The top three male and female runners will be awarded a gold, silver, or bronze medal, respectively.

To date, Kappa Delta has donated more than $7.1 million in the fight against child abuse. All 5KD proceeds will benefit the local chapter of Prevent Child Abuse America, NRV Cares.

Taking the reins on this year’s event are juniors Molly Johnson and Nicole Bitzan.

“I am an active runner myself so I’ve always been interested in helping with the race. I also think it’s so important that we keep the money we raise local so that we can give back to the Blacksburg area and see first-hand the benefits of our efforts,” said Johnson.

“We also found it so fitting to raise money for Prevent Child Abuse America at a location which promotes education and a safe place for children,” Bitzan added.

Individual runners may register up until the day of the race. Cost will be $15 per person. Greek organizations may also participate as a team in groups of up to five runners. 

“I’m really excited because our main goal for this year’s 5KD is to ‘globalize’ it in Blacksburg. We want the whole community, not just those affiliated with Greek life to participate,” said Bitzan.

Kappa Delta relies heavily on the support of local businesses and organizations to financially support the race.

“Runabout Sports has really helped us plan out the course, and they're also allowing us to use their equipment at the finish line,” said Johnson.

Frosty Parrot has also agreed to host a profit share night on Wednesday, March 21, from 6-9 p.m. All interested in supporting the cause (and of course, all interested in enjoying some yummy froyo) are invited.

Kappa Delta will also be sponsoring a pre-race pasta dinner on Friday, March 23. Tickets may be purchased at any of the 5KD information booths found on the Drillfield or Squires Student Center during the week of the event.

Pinwheels, the national symbol for child abuse prevention, may also be purchased for a dollar at these information booths. They will be used to line the course during the race on Saturday.

Kappa Delta sisters will be walking laps around the Drillfield the week of the event in order to promote the race and the cause it supports.

“Don’t forget to keep an eye out for our sister Shamrock running around campus in costume the week of the race!” said Johnson.

So if you’re in the mood to get a little fresh air and work on your fitness all while supporting the local children of the New River Valley, come out and rock the run with Kappa Delta. You don’t have to be the fastest runner to make a difference.

Allie is a senior studying human development and history. You may contact her at allie90@vt.edu.