When Troy University cast its lot with the Relay for Life fundraising campaign, Kay Franklin, American Cancer Society community representative, was tickled pink.

“Having the support of Troy University is a big boost to the American Cancer Society’s annual Relay for Life campaign,” Franklin said. “It’s very exciting to have our hometown university involved.”

All Troy women’s basketball fans were encouraged to “Think Pink” and let their thoughts be known by wearing pink for the Trojans “big” game with Middle Tennessee Wednesday night. Pink is the color chosen by the ACA to promote breast cancer awareness.

The “Think Pink” campaign raised $847 for the 2009 Relay for Life campaign.

“We were extremely pleased with the dollars raised and the participation in the ‘Think Pink’ promotion,” Franklin said. “It will continue to grow in participation and interest.

Eric Williamson said that he hopes to have a similar “Think Pink” promotion at a softball and baseball game this spring and incorporate it into more athletic programs. It is very encouraging and exciting to have Troy University as a major participant in the ACS fundraising and awareness efforts.

A new organization on campus, the Trojan Road Runners, will host a 5K Run/Walk and One Mile Fun Run on Feb. 21.

“The run is called, ‘Catch Me If You Can,’ because the women will be given a three- minute head start,” Franklin said. “Men usually run faster than women and the head start is an effort to level the playing field.”

Registration on Feb. 21 will begin at 7:30 p.m. on the Troy University quad and the shotgun start of the 5K Run will be at 9 a.m. with the walkers starting three minutes later along with the male runners and the Fun Run will follow.

Fee for the 5K Run/Walk will be $20. Fee for the Fun Run is $15. Entry fees will include a T-shirt, prize and entry in a raffle.

Awards will be given to the Top-3 overall finishers, Top-2 per age group and Top-2 finishers from the 5K walk and the one-mile fun-run. All awards will be presented by a “special guest”.

Franklin said she is looking forward to a big turnout for the ‘Catch Me If You Can’ 5K Run/Walk and the Fun Run. “The American Cancer Society greatly appreciates the support of Troy University,” she said.

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