Students, families and more will have the chance to chase Ball State's most famous cardinal while fighting childhood obesity in Eastern Indiana at the 10th-annual Chase Charlie Races.
Three races make up the Chase Charlie event: the 5-kilometer race for all ages, the Mile Mania for children 13 years old and under, and the Kiddie 100 for children 8 years old and under.
The first race begins at 8:30 a.m. Saturday at LaFollette Field.
Traditionally, Ball State's Sports Administration Club has organized the annual event, but with hopes of providing a great learning opportunity for students, Dr. David Pierce's Event and Facility Management 402 class is in charge this year.
Pierce said it has been the duty of the 24-student class to organize and facilitate the event. The class was divided into groups such as marketing, registration, operations, sponsorship and financial management as well as having a CEO.
"The class really fits into Ball State's mission in terms of immersive learning," he said. "We can sit and talk about organizing an event, but that doesn't mean anything unless we are actually doing it."
Pierce said his role in this project has been not only as the professor of the class, but also an event director. He said students have done almost all of the work.
"Chase Charlie has been a really hands-on experience for students that we will continue to do to in future years," he said.
Senior sports administration major Eric McCafferty, director of sponsorship, said the Chase Charlie Races are an opportunity for the Muncie and Ball State communities to get out and run around while promoting good health.
McCafferty said the students involved in the class are dedicated and have done a great job staying motivated and getting the event's name out in the community.
Senior sports administration major Tucker Florea, the class CEO, said a percentage of the proceeds will support the Muncie YMCA. Based on previous years, the class is estimating a donation of around $1,500.
Each year the number of participants in the Chase Charlie Races has increased, and with last year's participation at 285 people, Pierce said the class is expecting 300 participants this year.
Florea said 200 people have already pre-registered.
All race participants will receive one complimentary ticket to the Ball State vs. Eastern Michigan football game, a commemorative T-shirt, a Frisbee and discounts to local businesses.
Morning Line-up
7:15 a.m. – Registration begins
8:30 a.m. – 5K Race
9:15 a.m. – Mile Mania
11:30 a.m. – Kiddie 100 registration
1:00 p.m. – BSU vs. EMU football game
Halftime – Kiddie 100
For more information on registration, visit chasecharlie.com
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