Exercise Science Club holds first annual Earth Day 5K run

Edinboro University’s Exercise Science Club held its first annual Earth Day 5K run on Saturday. The event took place at noon at the Edinboro cross country course on campus.

The Club members, Hannah Whistler and Mike McLaughlin, were the individuals who presented the idea of an Earth Day 5K in order to utilize the cross country course, as well as promote fun and enjoy the outdoors.

Alex Hurley, an Edinboro University student, created the graphic design for the flyers.

Dr. Jim Roberts, who is the co-advisor as well as a professor in the department of health and physical education, specializing in the human performance track, created the Edinboro Exercise Science Club.

Students in the club are able to get involved in a number of ways, including attending and participating in the regional and national American College of Sports and Medicine (ACSM) conferences; volunteering at the Boston Marathon, which has been a tradition for the past 10 years; presenting research and being involved in various competitions and fitness challenges; and also bringing in guest speakers for campus events who have had an impact on sports and athletics.

The club has also been involved in community service, as well as fundraising. They are looking to expand and create more of a consistent presence throughout the campus.

Over the past year the club has “created and implemented a free personal training program for Edinboro students offered through the fitness center located in the Frank G. Pogue Student Center,” said Ruth Stauffer, who is co-advisor of the club and also helps with individualized exercise programs.

The Exercise Science Club is also teaming up with Chartwells Higher Education Dining Services to offer an event called, “Healthy Eating 101.” The club members will choose recipes that promote healthy eating and are also easy to prepare for students who are in a hurry or on the go. The recipes will be offered as a part of the Chartwells menu on Thursday, April 27.

Kasey Jones, a student at Edinboro University, participated in the 5K on Saturday because she is “on the track team and I had a workout today, so I figured this would be a great way to get a good workout in, as well as a great way to stay involved in the university using something I love to do.”

Jones has several friends who are members of the club, which is how she heard about the organization, as well as the event itself.

When asked why she chooses to run, she responded, “Running has always been something I have done ever since I was in elementary school. It is a great way to stay fit, and it gives me a source of stress relief.”

Running has always been something that her entire family was involved in, and since there are five kids in her family, she said it gives them something they can all do together.

Although the exercise science club’s members are primarily health and physical education majors, any students who have an interest in the club are welcome to join.

Jenna Giordano can be reached at eupnews.spectator@gmail.com.