Riverbat 5k run at RRC

23 students, staff, and faculty were surprised to discover that the Austin Community College Riverbat 5k run they signed up for wasn't actually 5 kilometers, or 3.1 miles. Instead, the run turned out to be 4.1 miles.

The Riverbat 5k was held on April 19 at Round Rock Campus and hosted by the Office of Student Life and the Student Activity Advisory Board (SAAB) at Round Rock Campus.

Student Brandon Beecham took first place in the men's division of the race, completing the race in 26 minutes.

Beecham ran in high school, but took time off since attending college. When he received an email with information on the Riverbat 5k, he decided to pick up running again.

"I was really surprised that I ran so slowly, but when I found out it was a 4.1 mile instead of a 3.1 mile, I was relieved," said Beecham. "I think my time is really starting to improve."

The course was originally 3.1 miles in length, but due to safety concerns, coordinators thought it was best to move the race from its original placement that crossed the parking lot, to the sidewalk along the campus, according to Round Rock Campus Student Life Assistant Dot Dearinger.

"Overall I think the race went really well and sparked a lot of interest among students from Round Rock as well as other campuses," said Dearinger. "What was most enjoyable for me was watching the students being healthy and having fun."  

Another student, Sandra Gonzalez, placed first in the women's division of the race.

 Sandra Gonzalez and her husband Jason Gonzalez who took third place, said that they participated in the event as an excuse for get out and do something fun as a couple.

"This was an exciting run," said Sandra Gonzalez. "The weather was perfect."

Racers started the 4.1 mile run at building 2000, and ran around the entire length of the campus, and finished back at the building. First place runners were awarded a t-shirt, coffee mug, and a $25 gift card.  

According to Christopher Stevenson, the Director of Services for Round Rock Campus SAAB, "the goal for the event was to promote healthy choices in the daily life of both students and staff."