UPEI gets set for Panther Pace

The UPEI Cross Country/Track & Field Club will host their major fundraiser-the Panther Pace 5km Fun Run on Tuesday, October 2 at 6:00 pm at the UPEI Alumni Canada Games Place. Registration will begin at 5:00 pm inside the turf facility clubhouse.

The newly developed, student-administered club brings together students who enjoy running-both long and shorter distances-and who support and motivate each other in personal running goals. The student-athletes involved in the club are able to compete in all Atlantic University Sport (AUS) invitational events and also run in other local and regional events.

Although the club is a student initiative, there is an advisory group with representation from the Government of Prince Edward Island, Athletics PEI, PEISAA, PEI Roadrunners Community, UPEI Athletics & Recreation, and UPEI student-athlete runners. The advisory group was put in place to provide the students with any support needed along the way.

'UPEI Athletics & Recreation is pleased to support the development of a running club,' said Ron Annear, director of Athletics and Recreation at UPEI. 'The opportunity has been made possible through strong interest from the community to partner with the club and to work closely with the student-athletes to form a training group. It's a natural sport to promote, especially with the quality of our athletics facilities and our athletes here at UPEI.'

Melanie McKenna is a student-athlete and the club's president, 'I'm very excited to be a part of the creation of this new running club at UPEI,' she said. 'With the tremendous facilities and quality of athletes we have, I think it will take off. Having so much support from the community and partners thus far, I have no doubt that we will grow as a sport and become a strong AUS contender.'

Club members are beginning to train together, and encourage all UPEI students interested in running to join them. The club is also great for varsity athletes who wish to receive some extra training throughout their regular and/or off-seasons. For more information on the Panther Pace or to join the UPEI Cross Country/Track & Field Club, please contact Melanie McKenna at mjmckenna@upei.ca or Janice Robertson, UPEI Program and Athletic Facilities coordinator at (902) 566-0305 or robertson@upei.ca.