The third annual Gratitude Walk/Run, hosted by NMSU Marketing and Communications, was held on campus the morning of Saturday, Sept. 14.
“It was started as an opportunity for us to invite not just the campus community but the greater Las Cruces community to our campus,” said Justin Bannister, Associate Vice President of Marketing and Communications. “We have a beautiful campus here at New Mexico State University. We just think that not enough people have an opportunity to come see it. And what better way to experience campus than running through it on a Saturday morning.”
Bannister elaborated that the event is meant to be inclusive, and most people may only need minimal training to complete the run. Since a 5k is about 3.1 miles, many participants prefer a shorter, easier distance, which the event also provides.
“For folks who just want to come out and have a good time, we also have a one mile fun run, so that’s even easier,” he said.
Those who took part in the run were given free t-shirts, stickers, and participation medals. The top three male and female runners received additional medals and a plushie of Wave the Wonder Dog.
“It’s a gratitude run. So, I’m trying to feel grateful for what I have, and I figured, why not do that with a run,” said runner Richard Garcia.
Garcia has participated in 15 races in his life. He has been running since he was in ROTC in high school, and later in the Army, so he’s kept up with it since.
“I feel like it [an event like this one] brings the people together to show that we can be healthy and still be one, and no matter where you come from and what your beliefs are, we can still be healthy and run together and be a community,” Garcia said.
During the Gratitude 5k, several community groups showed their supportive presence in various ways. A helicopter from Native Air was brought to the NMSU horseshoe, the NMSU Fire Department displayed the American flag, and local radio station Hot 103 handed out water bottles to runners.
Scott Fister, former assistant track and field coach for NMSU, was helping track racers’ run times. He mentioned that he hosts many races in the community as well.
“A lot of the races that I put on or manage are fundraisers for groups that just need a little extra assistance, with everything from sexual assault survivors to cancer to suicide prevention,” Fister said. “I have all sorts of different races that I work with. So, community runs are a great way to show the community some support and love for those organizations that are putting on the races.”
Runner Armando Rueda was the first man to cross the line with a time of 15:56. He remarked that while last year, the competition seemed fiercer and “more spectacular”, he had a fun time running this year and was happy to win.
“Oh, I feel good,” Rueda said. “Environment was great; I like coming out here. I tend to hang around here all the time, so it’s fun running around here. Honestly, people out here are great.”
Alexandra Ordaz was the first female to cross the finish line with a time of 20:35.
“I was very nervous at the beginning, but then once I realized that I was, like, the first girl in front I was like I have to be first now,” Ordaz said.
