CSAC Friday Feature: Going For A Run
ROSEMONT, Pa. – It is a tough summer if you are a fan of marathons or fun runs.
With COVID-19 cancelling every race or postponing them to the Fall, it has been hard to find a competitive run to be in.
However, Keystone College stepped up to the plate and offered the chance for runners to compete in a 5K run over July 4th weekend, albeit virtually.
“I saw other schools doing it as a fundraiser,” said Keystone College Cross Country and Track and Field Head Coach Ian Hankins. “I've always love running the various 4th of July races so I thought we should do one. I was actually hoping to do a 5k here in town, when I took over in March before everything shutdown.”
Using Keystone’s social media channels, Hankins said the response was great.
“I got surprisingly good turnout even with the late notice,” he said. “We had students, faculty, staff, including our dean and football coaches, community members and runners that I either know or saw the event on social media. In total we had about 100 participants.”
Hankins organized all this, while still getting settled in his role as coach, as he was hired in the Spring.
“I love the family atmosphere, everybody has been so welcoming,” he said. “It has been a crazy start as I literally started the day everything shutdown. It was refreshing knowing that everybody at Keystone cares. Dr. Grimaldi and all the fellow coaches kept checking on me to make sure everything was ok. My team even offered to move me in!”
“It is great to be finally on campus and exploring the trails out here. I can't wait for the student-athletes to come back on campus in a month and to get going.”