Food Gatherers Named As Beneficiary of Michigan Athletics' Big House 5K

Are you interested in running throughout the University of Michigan’s Stephen M. Ross Athletic Campus? Would you like to finish the run on the 50-yard line at Michigan Stadium, the “Big House?” If so, this fun and unique running opportunity is the ideal event for you and your family members. The inaugural “Big House 5K: Trail to the Victors” will be held on Sunday, April 6.

“We are excited to host a charity race in conjunction with a great athletic weekend on the Ross Athletic Campus,” said Rob Rademacher, Associate Athletic Director. “In addition to the spring football game, we will play lacrosse, baseball and softball during this spring weekend. We look forward to having our fans and runners participate in fun and exciting races through our beautiful university and athletic campus. We will definitely make this event a ‘WOW’ experience for all participants and help benefit and support our local Washtenaw County charitable partners.”

Michigan Athletics will sponsor a 5K and one-mile race with support from the Ann Arbor Track Club. The 5K will start at 9 a.m., and the one-mile fun run will start at 10 a.m.

The fee to participate in the inaugural event is $35, with each runner/walker receiving a T-shirt and a participant medal. A guaranteed minimum of $12 per registration fee will be split evenly and donated to the six official non-profit race beneficiaries. In addition, runners can choose to fundraise individually or as part of a team for one of the official non-profit beneficiaries, with 100 percent of these funds going directly to the race beneficiary of their choice. Any additional revenue after race expenses will also be distributed to the charities.

"Food Gatherers is excited to partner with Michigan Athletics for the Big House 5K this spring," said Eileen Spring, President and CEO of Food Gatherers. "To have this opportunity to engage with the University and greater community in a fun and active way, brings a burst of energy to our efforts to fight hunger where we live."

Additional non-profit beneficiaries for this inaugural race are:

Ø  Humane Society of Huron Valley

Ø  Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washtenaw County

Ø  Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley

Ø  Team Red, White and Blue of Ann Arbor

Ø  University Musical Society, K-12 Education Programs

Individuals can sign up for the Big House 5K and fun run at: www.mgoblue.com/bighouse5k

Runners/walkers can pick up their registration packets on Saturday, April 5, from noon to 7 p.m. at Crisler Center. Participants will enter at the northeast entrance to Crisler Center and proceed to the concourse level by the Hall of Honor displays.

The 5K race course will begin at Glick Field House and head north on South State Street. Participants will run through the University of Michigan main campus before returning to the Stephen M. Ross Athletic Campus for the final approach to the “Big House.” Runners/walkers will enter the famed tunnel and head down onto the stadium turf for the finish at the 50-yard line.

Food Gatherers

Food Gatherers is Washtenaw County’s food bank and food rescue program, distributing more than 5 million pounds of food to 150 non-profit programs serving low-income adults, seniors and children annually. Recipient programs include hot meal programs, residential programs and programs targeting low-income children and seniors. For a list of food donors and recipient agencies or to learn how you can become involved in the fight against hunger locally, please visit www.foodgatherers.org or call (734) 761-2796.