DU Men’s Basketball, Thrive and a handful of Denver-local vendors joined the 870 runners who participated in the Crimson Classic 5k and 1.5 Mile Walk that took place Wednesday, Sept. 20. The annual 5k and 1.5 Mile Walk aims to bring faculty, staff, students and locals together to celebrate wellness and show Pioneer pride. This year marked the fifth annual Crimson Classic 5k race, and is the largest outcome in the race history. Last year 800 runners crossed the finish line.
Driscoll Green was a sea of gold, as children, their parents, serious runners and a man dressed as a piece of broccoli supporting Thrive stretched together to start off the Crimson Classic festivities. As late registration came to an end, racers full of anticipation warmed up with sprints in front of the Strum Law Building, families drank smoothies made by a blender powered by a bike and Thrive offered water bottles and cutting boards to anyone who could score in a cornhole match. Local athletic trainers rallied everyone together on Driscoll Green to lead the group of 870 in stretches for the race. At precisely 3 p.m., the community gathered at the start/finish line outside of Sturm Hall, and when the blow horn sounded, raced off down Asbury.
The 5k route took runners on a tour of the north side of DU’s campus. The athletes ran from Driscoll Green, took a right on High Street, a right on Buchtel, continued the loop with a right on University and then ended with another right on Asbury to the finish line on Driscoll Green. Runners enjoyed a much needed water station near DU’s Ritchie Center where DU Men’s Basketball supported the race by passing out water to the thirsty runners, as temperatures were in the high 70’s and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky.
When the racers rounded the corner of Asbury to the last stretch to the finish line, they were welcomed by community members and the DU Men’s Basketball team head coach. Rodney Billups, his staff and his players offered water to the finishers of the 5k and 1.5 Mile Walk with enthusiasm. At the finish, racers enjoyed the post-race party with DJ West and local vendors on the Green.
The Crimson Classic is founded and supported by Wellness Works at DU, which states their mission:
“The Wellness Program provides programming and incentives to encourage employees to increase the knowledge of their health status and achieve health goals. This program is working towards shifting the University culture to create the conditions to allow employees to thrive physically, emotionally and spiritually.”
The organization offers everything from the 5k fun run, to employee flu shots, to guided meditation and yoga. This month’s wellness events include ‘Guided Meditation with Kara,’ ‘Iyengar Yoga with Jessica,’ ‘Vinyasa Yoga with Stephanie’ and last week’s Crimson Classic. Flu shots will be offered through the month of October.
