Many experienced bicyclists began the 24-mile Cardinal Relay at 1:30 p.m., following the 1-mile Benny Dash for more amateur riders.
Alex Johnson, team member of Asberry Gogels, said this is his first time at McKinley Mile but certainly not his first race.
The sophomore organizational communication major said he doesn't focus on McKinley Mile in particular, but he is looking forward to it being fun.
"[I plan on] blowing some people out of the water hopefully [and] just having some fun,"he said. "[I'll be] having a lot more fun than you normally do in a race."
Ethan Gogel, a junior wildlife biology major, said even though the race is viewed as fun, his team Ball State Cycling X is still serious about taking home first place.
"It's our home race, so we really want to win," he said. "We train for other races, but we spend time doing sprints for this."
About 30 teams are participating in the races. Last year, 12 teams participated.
Awards will be announced at 4 p.m. Activities, such as the inflatable obstacle course and food stands, will be at the University Green until 5 p.m.
EARLIER: Even though McKinley Mile is centered around bike races, Lambda Chi Alpha members have provided more than a race course.
People at the event can play corn hole, get their faces painted or play in an inflatable obstacle course.
Everything at the event is free, including food. People can get smoothies and ice cream sandwiches. Once food runs out, Lambda Chi Alpha members will be selling Baskin-Robbins ice cream.
If students want to bring a friend who isn't a Ball State student, they will be allowed to participate in the activities for free once they sign a waiver for the inflatable obstacle course.
Junior public relations major Justin Friend said for this being the fraternity's first time hosting McKinley Mile, setting up the event had gone more smoothly than he anticipated.
For more updates, keep checking www.bsudailynews.com.
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