Kinesiology department participates in Service Learning Day with a 5K

SARA FARMER / Contributing Student Writer

The Tarleton State University kinesiology department hosted the Mind and Body 5K March 21. 

The 5K was held on Service Learning Day for the students of Tarleton, allowing for more students to have the opportunity to participate. The race is held to honor #frankiestrong and to raise awareness for patients with leukemia.

The race began at 8 a.m. at the Bosque River Trail in Stephenville. Both students of Tarleton and citizens of Erath County participated in the Mind and Body 5K. Participants were required to meet at the beginning of the trail, located by the Stephenville softball fields at the Stephenville park by 7:30 a.m.

Photo by: Sara Farmer

Students and residents of Erath County gathered to participate in the Mind and Body 5K. Check-in ran from 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m with the race kicking off at 8 a.m.

Tarleton students Braelyn Campbell and Alayna Wallace, pictured to the left, enjoy running and were excited to run in this 5K.

“I ran track all throughout high school and I’ve ran some color runs,” Campbell said. “I just run for fun here and there.” 

Campbell appreciates Tarleton for orchestrating these events for her to participate in.

“Since I don’t run track anymore, it still gives me an opportunity to go out and run when I normally wouldn’t on my own,” Campbell said.

Kinesiology students are taking advantage of the opportunities this race provides. Students have the opportunity to earn professional development points, capstone hours and more to help them advance their experience.

“There is a lot of incentive to be out here,” Wallace said, referring to her friend, Braelyn Campbell earning Kinesiology points for participating in the race. 

Volunteer Cammile Bohlin’s experience studying kinesiology helps prepare her to help orchestrate the race with her classmates. 

“If you understand the body, you understand when fatigue starts and when to push harder or when to let up a little bit,” Bohlin said. “And you know that when you start to feel an ache or pain, then you need to stop.”

While Bohlin is required to orchestrate the 5K, she expresses her excitement to be out in the Stephenville Park and enjoys the energy this 5K gives her. 

“I do have to volunteer because of the class that I am in, but I would have done it either way,” Bohlin said. “I think that this is such a good opportunity for everyone to come together and meet new people and have a really energized day.

Runners and volunteers were encouraged to wear funny socks to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day. 

All participants had the opportunity to earn a free t-shirt, supplied by the Center for Educational Excellence while supplies lasted.