There are two types of athletes that always seem to be highly concentrated around college campuses. The first are those ultimate Frisbee enthusiasts that constantly fill the Mad Bowl, Nameless Field and the open quads near Old Dorms. Where else besides college campuses (or on Grounds as we like to say) do you find so many people playing any sort of game with a Frisbee?
It seems like the 18-22 demographic is keeping the Frisbee business in business. I don't know of too many middle-aged middle management types asking their co-workers if they want to go throw the Frisbee around. Such a phenomenon is synonymous with small dorms, bad cafeteria food and endless procrastination.
The second type of athlete that abounds around Grounds is the runner. I don't yet have the evidence to back my hypothesis, but I am pretty sure that there is at least one person running in Charlottesville at all hours of the day. Whether it is with a friend, a dog or a stroller, there are runners everywhere. On the Lawn, down Rugby Road and up 14th Street. It doesn't matter if it's morning or night, hot or cold, rain or sun. The runners are like the postmen, except they go on Sundays as well!
Whereas the ultimate Frisbeers (is that what you call them?) have intramurals and tournaments, runners usually are relegated to run the streets with only their headphones and running mate as motivation. But this upcoming Saturday is shaping up to be a dream weekend for runners and walkers alike.
As many of you may know, one of the main events of Parents/Family Weekend is the Family Weekend Partner 5K. You can run as a pair with a parent, fellow student or even a faculty member (however, it's an unstated rule that you should let the faculty member beat you if you want any chance at an "A" in your class).
But the family run around Grounds is not your only option. If you feel like avoiding the horde of parents running around lost and stopping to take pictures with their embarrassed children, don't despair. Also, if you feel like you have donated enough of your money to the University in the name of tuition and other fees, then maybe you should consider running for one of two charitable causes this Saturday (both of which you can register for at Ragged Mountain Running Shop).
The first is the Run for the Lungs 5K sponsored by F.O.R.C.E. with all proceeds going to the U.Va. Cancer Center. The second option for the charitable runners is the 5K Run For Shelter benefiting the Shelter for Help in Emergency, Charlottesville's local help center for victims of domestic violence and abuse. Beginning at 8 a.m., the Run for Shelter starts at the Mudhouse Coffee Shop on the Downtown Mall and culminates at the Jefferson Theater. For those runners who have already experienced a 5K around Grounds, this race goes around the city near the Downtown Mall.
Whichever race(s) you choose and no matter if you run, walk or flag down a taxi, take advantage of what is sure to be a Saturday filled with aching legs, good fun and free tee-shirts.
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