WOAC raises money and awareness for Winthrop Veterans

By Jeff Brodeur
brodeurj@mytjnow.com

More than 30 racers signed up to run in the 5k race Saturday morning, athletes and non athletes alike. The track consisted of two laps around the Winthrop Athletic Complex totaling 3.1 miles. All photos by Jeff Brodeur • brodeurj@mytjnow.comWhat’s a better way to start off a Saturday morning than with a 3.1 mile run around the Winthrop Athletic Complex?

Raising money and awareness for a great cause in the process.

That was the mindset of a group of runners over the weekend at the WOAC 5k Race for Veterans.

“The race was a group effort of the Winthrop Outdoor Adventure Club and the Winthrop Student Veterans Organizations,” said Allie Briggs, an officer of WOAC.

“We’re splitting the funds raised today between each group.”

The Winthrop Outdoor Adventure Club was founded in 2006 and is dedicated to bringing individuals interested in outdoor recreation together. They plan events such a kayaking, white water rafting, rock climbing, mountain biking and skiing, just to name a few. 

More information can be found on their blog at outdoorexplosion.blogspot.com.

The other campus club that made this 5k run possible was the Student Veterans of Winthrop University. This program strives to help make the transition from combat to the classroom easier for veterans at Winthrop University. 

SVWU is constantly setting up various programs and events that not only make college life more enjoyable and accessible for veterans, but also helping them out after they graduate.

Saturday’s WOAC 5k Race for Veterans was an example of one of these events.

“We’re raising funds for the student veterans and that money is going to be used to better the life and education of the veteran population of Winthrop,” said Mike Widrich, head of SVWU. 

“We are looking to go to a national conference this December and we’re hoping to use some of the money we raise at this event to help send some of our veterans to a job fair so they have better opportunities once they graduate.”

It was a successful morning for both organizations as more than 30 runners showed up bright and early at Winthrop Lake to participate.

As for the race itself, it was open to anyone who wanted to compete, whether they wanted to test their endurance or just have a good time while helping out these organizations.

Prizes were given to the top finishers, ranging from gift certificates for local restaurants to Army T-shirts. Everyone also walked away with a complimentary National Guard water bottle just for signing up. 

The grand prize was an Army backpack filled with various items such as free Subway and Army/National Guard apparel. 

In the end, junior AJ Fitzsimmons, who is also a member of the men’s cross-country team, was first to cross the finish line with a time of 18.52.

The event was both successful and timely according to Briggs. 

“It was a great day for the race, and later it dawned on me that the anniversary of Sept. 11 was right around the corner, which was pretty cool.”