Commitment to fitness to benefit community

More than 70 people have signed up for the inaugural "UTEP Commitment to Fitness, 3 Mile Walk/5 Mile Run" which will be held Feb. 7 at Kidd Field.

"We will be joined by the likes of President (Diana) Natalicio, Mayor John Cook, his wife, his staff and members of the military," said Robert Arriola, president of the Golden Age Fitness Association.

"Sixty Kinesiology students will be guiding the runners, while cheerleaders and bands help add more excitement to the race."

Money raised from the race will go into funding for Kinesiology students, so they can pay their tuition and books, as well as to the Golden Age Fitness Association, which helps provide senior citizens with better heath by promoting a healthier lifestyle.

For students running in the race, their participation is a symbol of their desire to improve themselves, but also hope that other people will follow suit.

"I want to run not just because of my mother having diabetes Type 2, but because I want to be a great example to my mother and my younger brother," said Edgardo Peregrino, sophomore applied mathematics major.

Other students, such as Maria Blanco, see running as therapeutic and challenging to the mind and body.

"It helps me become better fit and mentally stronger. It helps relieve stress and makes one feel good about their body. You live longer and healthier," said Blanco, instructional specialist graduate student.

In order to do well in the race, these students are already training.
"Right now I am going to Crossfit. I have now become faster at long distance running," Blanco said.

Peregrino is also preparing in his own way.
"I am running a mile a day to gain energy for the race," he said.
The race will be Feb. 7 with registration and packet pick-up beginning at 7 a.m. until 7:45 am at Kidd Field. The race will start at 8 a.m.

The event is divided into different age groups including 9 years old and under, 10-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and 70 years old and older.

Online registration is available until Feb. 5 at www.raceadventuresunlimited.com.
Registration forms can be filled out in person at Up and Running 3233 N. Mesa Suite.
 

The prizes will be gold, silver and bronze to the first three places in each age group in the five mile run. The first 300 participants are guaranteed a long-sleeved shirt.

For faculty/military/students/ and senior citizens, the early registration fee for both the 3-mile and 5-mile walk is $15. All other participants must pay $20 for their registration.
 

Oscar Moreno may be reached at prospector@utep.edu.