IU Dance Marathon will be partnering with Bloomington’s Hoosier Half Marathon for the first time April 9 to raise money for Riley Hospital for Children.
The event will bring together two existing races for one event, according to an IUDM press release.
Both the Hoosier Half Marathon, a 13.1-mile race, and the FTK 5K will begin at 8 a.m. at the DeVault Alumni Center. Both race courses will take runners through campus, while the extended route of the Hoosier Half Marathon will lead runners through the downtown area as well.
In the past, the two races had been conducted on separate weekends in the spring, but this year, Sam Wisen, IUDM’s vice president of internal, said the Hoosier Half Marathon’s coordinator offered to combine the races to ensure a bigger donation to IUDM.
Wisen said in the past IUDM’s spring 5K races have been focused more on member engagement.
“It was an awareness thing more than a fundraiser,” Wisen said. “It’s never really made that much money.”
Now, Wisen said, around 2,200 people have registered for the 5K and half marathon and IUDM has secured a $1,500 donation, along with all proceeds from 5K registrations.
In exchange for the donation, IUDM members will handle all volunteering for the event. Wisen said this is a great way for IUDM to become more involved in the Bloomington community.
“We’re always struggling at IUDM to improve in the Bloomington community,” Wisen said. “We expect success in this event because people from all over the state come to this race.”
The Hoosier Half Marathon, known for its hilly course, has been named one of the top 50 road races in the country by Trip Advisor, a travel advising website.
The race will be timed with timing chips and results can be checked using a QR code on race numbers after the race.
At the finish line, also at the DeVault Alumni Center, Wisen said IUDM’s entertainment committee has planned a post-race party with a band, redeemable beer tickets for racers and more.
Those interested in joining the Hoosier Half Marathon or FTK 5K can register onsite before the races’ 8 a.m. start. Wisen said spectators can watch the race from near the Indiana Memorial Union, Sample Gates or other locations on campus.
“It’s more than just a race,” Wisen said.
Carley Lanich
