A fast start to Homecoming Week

BY ASHTYN HANSARD / Executive Producer

Tarleton State University’s homecoming officially started on Sunday, Oct. 6. 

Each year for homecoming, Tarleton hosts a 5k race for all students, family and community members of Stephenville to open the festivities of homecoming. The race starts at the Recreation Center, travels all around campus and ends right back at the starting line.

This year, there was a big turn out with a total of 307 runners participating in the event. 

The overall male runner was Destin Foley with a time of 18:17 and placed first in the race. The overall female runner was Julia Melo Torres with a time of 21:08 and placed tenth in the race.

As for Tarleton students, the top three female runners were Brooke Roddam, Kasenia Hipshand and Mackenzie Rutty. They each had times of 21:23, 24:21 and 25:16 respectively.

The top three male runners for Tarleton were Reise Leon, Jack McDonald and Samuel Iturrino. They each had times of 19:08, 20:46 and 21:42 respectively. 

While the race may be challenging, many participants enjoy competing in the race. One of these participants was Eric Mendez.

“I think it’s always fun to do a race, no matter what the occasion is,” Mendez said. “Whether it’s to remember someone, or to raise money for charity; I think those are the best kinds of races.”

Even though several participants enjoyed the race, it’s still easier said than done. Addison Anderson felt the same.

“Honestly, I feel like had we had the race a little bit later in October, it would have been a lot better,” Anderson said. “It was just really hot today. I wasn’t really expecting this weather.”

With this race kicking off homecoming week, Tarleton is started off in good spirits and looking forward to a great homecoming week.