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Running Club Competes in First Race

On September 15th, the second annual “Hustle for the House 5k and 1 Mile Fun Run” took place in Nashville with more than 600 participants. Among them were a team of 5 runners from the UTSI Running Club participating in the club’s first team race.

Organizers of the Hustle for the House were raising funds for the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Nashville whose mission is to “keep families close” by providing essential resources and a “home away from home” for families of critically ill children receiving inpatient or outpatient medical care at Nashville area hospitals. They were thrilled to have raised almost $40,000 (a 45% increase over their inaugural event in 2011).

People participated in the Hustle for the House for a variety of reasons. Some were trying to achieve personal bests. Many ran to honor and thank the Ronald McDonald House Charities. Others ran in memory of loved ones who spent rough times fighting an illness at the RMHC.

From Ronald McDonald kicking off both races, to a giant Ronald bouncy castle, to apple slices at the end of the race, the Hustle for the House was a happy festivity.

All members of the UTSI contingent enjoyed success in the 5 km race. Marie-Michele Siu won second place overall female with a time of 21:17 and Lee Leonard placed third in his age group, finishing in 22:39. Most of all, the team was proud to showcase their dedication to fitness and sport.

The team would like to thank the UTSI Student Government Association (SGA) for their support in making participation in this event possible.Ronald McDonald discusses race strategy
with WKRN News Anchor John Dwyer

The UTSI Running Club has group runs and walks each week on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
Everyone is welcome. For more information contact rleonard@utsi.edu