Students compete in Behrman run

More than 1,400 students, faculty and other members of the Bloomington community ran Saturday in the 5th annual Jill Behrman Run for the End Zone beginning at Mellencamp Pavilion. \nSince 1996, the 5K Run for the End Zone, organized by the IU Division of Recreational Sports, has raised money for IU's Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation library. The event now helps to raise money for Jill's House, a temporary residence for patients undergoing cancer treatment. The walk serves as a remembrance for former IU student Jill Behrman who was mysteriously abducted in 2000. Additional proceeds go toward the Jill Behrman leadership scholarship, which is given every year by Behrman's parents. The award is given to an undergraduate student who demonstrates ethical character in academics, the Division of Recreational Sports and the local community. \nThe event morphed Mellencamp Pavilion into a race start center with informational booths and a welcome stage. As walkers and runners entered the building they were greeted by volunteers, breakfast food and official T-shirts before the warm-up session began. \nWhether participants came out to compete for a fast time or to spend the Saturday morning walking for a good cause, many said a main reason for coming out was to pay a tribute to Jill and the Behrman family. For graduate student Erin Hoben, the event was a chance to take part in an event which had significance to the University and the Bloomington community. \n"I've heard the story about Jill, from friends at IU, so I wanted to participate because of that," Hoben said. "Then my roommate told me about where the proceeds of the fund raising goes. It's something personal and keeps the money in Bloomington."\nParticipants ranging from the ages of 14 to 69, ran, walked and volunteered to raise money and make sure the event was a success.\nJudy Wilson recorded the fastest female course time in 18 minutes and 34 seconds and Nath Good finished with the fastest male time of 16 minutes and 36 seconds. \nSenior Meryl Alappattu was one of several students who took time out to volunteer Saturday morning.\n"I wish I had a chance to run, but I'm glad I had a chance to help out Rec Sports," Alappattu said. \nMany of the people who participated in the event said they endured unique training regimens in order to ensure they did well. While many practiced by running long distances and in race condition mode (going up hills), others get in shape through various other methods. \n"I try to mix it up with swimming, weight lifting and bike riding," said Adam Saunders, a senior who finished second in his age division. \nMany of the participants who have running experience said in order to fully enjoy the run, they like to know what type of course they are running. \nFor Eric and Marilyn Behrman the race brought forth acknowledgement for all those who helped with the festivities and warm thoughts of their daughter. While Eric and Marilyn Behrman walked the race, their son Bryan participated in the run. \n"For us as a family it is very gratifying," Marilyn Behrman said. "We both feel pretty good (about the success of the race)."\n-- Contact staff writer Andrew Smith at asmithii@indiana.edu.