Lee to host 65 Roses 5k
Photo courtesy of Vanessa Hammond. 65 Roses 5k 2019.
On Saturday, April 17, Lee University will host the annual 65 Roses 5k for the 20th time. The race is held to raise funds and awareness for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
The 65 Roses 5k has been hosted on Lee’s campus since 2001. However, due to COVID-19, the race was canceled in 2020. SLC and Greek club Omega Alpha Phi will help host this weekend’s event.
To attend the event, a mask and green screen are required. The race will be socially distanced, and participants will not have to wear a mask. Lee students can register for free until the day of the race.
“There are quite a few families affected by cystic fibrosis here locally,” said Dr. Bill Estes, race director. “Those families will create walk teams and get their friends to come out and raise money for the foundation.”
Vanessa Hammond, a co-chair of 65 Roses 5k and mother of a child diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, said this event has been an ongoing celebration for her family. Hammond says the ability to go out and donate, walk and run while simultaneously learning more about the foundation is important and special to her.
“It will be a little bit different this year, and that’s okay … I can’t express how grateful I am to the community,” said Hammond.
Hammond said through her experience as a parent of a child who has cystic fibrosis, she has been so thankful for this foundation.
For students interested in participating in the race, registration forms are available at the DeVos Recreation Center and online. The registration fee for non-students is $25.
Terra Running Company is handing out goody-bags the day before the race, April 16. Free Chick-Fil-A will be provided for those who sign up.
