Annual Cougar 5K kicks off Homecoming weekend

Chicago (Sept. 10, 2007) – Help kick off Saint Xavier University’s Homecoming weekend with the 7th annual Cougar 5K Run/Walk at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 6.

The race will start and finish at Saint Xavier’s Chicago campus, 3700 W. 103rd St., and travel through the heart of Evergreen Park. All participants will receive a long-sleeved T-shirt and a free ticket to the homecoming football game against Ohio Dominican College.

“Since the inaugural race in 2001, this event has not only been a part of the SXU Homecoming Weekend, but also become a community tradition,” said Jennifer Kjos, facility manager of Saint Xavier’s Shannon Center.

Participants can register at Running for Kicks, 7158 W. 127th St., in Palos Heights, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sept. 1 through Oct. 3, or online at www.signmeup.com/56920. Individual registration fees are $20 each for runners/walkers, $17.50 each for CARA members, and $15 each for SXU students. Purchase a pair of running or walking shoes at Running for Kicks and receive $10 off the Cougar 5K Run/Walk registration fee. For more information, call Running for Kicks at (708) 448-9200.

Day-of-race registration will be held from 7:45 a.m. to 8:45 a.m., with fees of $25 each, ($22.50 each for CARA members) and $20 each for SXU students.

“The Cougar 5K Run/Walk caters to all age groups who enjoy running or walking. This event kicks off a fun-filled day for the entire SXU community,” Kjos said.

Complimentary refreshments will be provided before and after the race for all participants by Chartwells Dining Services, Cold Stone Creamery, Café Luna, and Aquafina. Race participants may also enjoy free services such as chair massages, blood pressure checks, and stretching.

Sponsors of the Run/Walk include Gilhooley’s Grande Saloon, Chartwells, Coldstone Creamery, OccuSport, Pepsi, Greenwood Chiropractic, SXU Alumni Association, Running for Kicks, Village of Evergreen Park, Chicago Area Race Association (CARA), Gallagher Investments, Core Fitness and Physical Therapy, Foot and Ankle Clinics of America, GO Promotions, Jimmy Johns, Machon and Machon, Café Luna, Shannon Center members, and South Division Credit Union.

For more information, please visit www.sxu.edu/athletics/cougar5k.asp or call the race hotline at (773) 298-3592.

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