The weather was welcoming this past Sunday for the 17th annual Linda Yalem Safety Run, which had a turnout of about 1000 runners. Participants included students and community members for the 5k run to support and promote runner and walker safety.
The run was organized to remember Linda Yalem, a UB student who was raped and murdered 16 years ago while running on UB campus.
People drove or jogged in before 9:30 a.m. to register and get ready. The area around Alumni Arena and Center for the Arts quickly filled up, with music playing loudly in the background while runners stretched and talked amongst themselves. Student volunteers made sure everything was set.
Melanie Bentley-Cruz, coordinator for the volunteers, had her work cut out for her but was happy to be part of the event.
"I love it and can't wait to do it again," Bentley-Cruz said. "Students make this happen. The volunteers are all over the place, this wouldn't happen if students weren't helping."
Groups like Alpha Phi Omega were part of volunteers helping feed and hydrate the runners. Free bananas, apples, cookies, chips, soup, water and granola bars were some of the things offered on tables set up outside the Center for the Arts.
The event attracted an enthusiastic crowd, which included Buffalo Bulls mascots, to cheer runners on and hold up signs of motivation along the running path.
Although the number of runners was about the same as last year, many of the people involved were returning to participate, according to Tracey Eastman, corrdinator for Student Affairs communications and marketing.
"The cause is a really important one for the community and UB students," Eastman said. "This is a UB tradition, you're going to remember the Linda Yalem race."
Many participants agreed with this sentiment.
"It (the run) was excellent, great," said Don Seitz, UB graduate and Williamsville resident. "This is one of my favorite races, I try and run every year. The students cheering is fantastic, a lot of school spirit."
There were at least seven UB teams either running or showing their support, along with many other groups and clubs.
"There were a lot of athletes this time," Eastman said.
The baseball team, along with tennis and women's rowing, were some who took part of the big event.
The Asian American Student Association took first place, with the Lightweight crew and Maui Wowies taking second and third.
Jeffery Czyz took first for male students with a time of 16:39. Carolynne Jones was the fastest female student finishing in 19:47. Marcus Dubber and Carolyn Nugent were the winners for the faculty and staff.
The usual cold Buffalo weather gave way, allowing a beautiful day for participants. The sun left a table full of ponchos untouched.
"It was perfect weather," said Dana Leier, a junior law major. "I'm training for a marathon and I run on the trail a lot. I never would have known how dangerous it was if it weren't for this race."
Many students and community members were not unfamiliar with the run, as many were returning contributors.
"This is my second time. I just like running," said Krista Noto, a junior pharmacy major. "Last year it took me like 21 minutes."
Others felt it was an opportunity to give back to the community.
"Two years, two races," said Josh Gardner, a sophomore computer science major. "I'm doing it as part of community service."
A smaller scale race was available for kids of ages five to ten.
"Maybe 20 kids participate and they win prizes like a sweatshirts, backpacks and books all donated by the University Bookstore," said Jeanette Zalba, who was on the committee organizing the event.
The course started at campus mail services, heading towards Hadley apartments, then to Governors and along the road to and around Ellicott, up Lee Road and back to Baird Hall where the finish line was set up.
People entering the finishing area were given a free safety whistle and many congratulations.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
