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Racing for a good cause
A preview to Panther Prowl 2008
By Marlyn Fink
“I think we'll continue to see the success that's been building over the past three years” – PantherProwl Program Manager Peppy O’Neill
On Sunday Oct. 12, the streets surrounding campus will be filled with runners and walkers of all ages getting their hearts pumped up for a great cause. The fourth annual Panther Prowl 5K run/walk put on by the UW-Milwaukee Alumni Association, supports student scholarships with the help of sponsors, the community and participants.
The event kicks off with registration starting Sunday morning at 8:30 in the Union concourse, followed by a warm-up offered by the Society of Athletic Training Students at 9:45 and the race begins promptly at 10 a.m.
This year’s honorary co-chairs of the event include WISN 12 news anchor Shelby Croft and former UWM women’s basketball star, Jan Krystkowiak.
Last year’s event brought in around $135,000 with over 1,000 generous contestants participating.
Program Manager Peppy O’Neill is excited about this year’s event for several reasons.
“Proceeds from this certified 5k run/walk go to deserving UWM students through the UWM Alumni Association's Scholarship Fund, and this is a great investment for anybody,” O’Neill says. “Of course running or walking the beautiful course, which crosses the campus and winds in and out of Upper Lake Park, is great exercise and a great way to mix with other run/walk enthusiasts.”
Participants will receive a long sleeved t-shirt, as well as an eco-friendly shopping bag donated from the UWM Bookstore loaded with coupons and other goodies.
After the event, plenty of food and beverages will be served up in Spaights Plaza, courtesy of the many sponsors of the event. Everything from soup to bagels, to fruit, granola bars, and coffee will all be available.
The first place male and female finishers will also receive apparel and game tickets from the Milwaukee Bucks, and plaques with team photos will go to the largest team, the fastest team and finally the team who raises the most pledges.
The cost to enter is $20 for UWM students and $25 for anyone else. Potential participants can register up until the morning of the race.
“I think we'll continue to see the success that's been building over the past three years,” O’Neill said of this year’s event. “We're on a good trajectory to meet or exceed last year's attendance total of 1,050 runners and walkers.”
“The route is beautiful in mid-October especially in Upper Lake Park,” he added.
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