Before the Homecoming parade floats and marchers go by Saturday, Oct. 8, another Brigham Young University Homecoming tradition will take place. For 25 years, alumni, family and friends have participated in a 5k Cougar Run and run to the cheers of the crowd waiting for the parade.
The 2011 Cougar Run will begin at the Clarence Robison Track and Field complex on Canyon Road, just south of the LaVell Edwards Stadium. Anywhere from 500 to 800 contestants will be running this year.
The Cougar run also includes kid’s races for children ages 1-12, which are in the Robison complex right before the 5k.
“It’s a really fun event,” says race director Doug Padilla. “Since we run along the parade route, there’s a lot of great feeling and people cheering you on.”
He adds that in addition to T-shirts for the contestants, “This year, we’ve added something special — pancakes for the runners at the end of the race.”
The purpose of the race, beyond getting together for a great time, is to raise money for the track team so they can upgrade their facilities, says Padilla.
Find more information and sign up at www.byucougarrun.com.