The Journal

Issue date: 10/13/05 Section: Sports

Webster students and alumni have fun running for a good cause in the 5k Fun Run/Walk on Oct. 9. MAX GERSH / The Journal

Webster University's Alumni Association hosted the fifth annual homecoming 5K run/walk through Webster Groves Oct. 9. The 55 participants of all ages faced the crisp morning air and gathered at the intersection of Lockwood and Bompart avenues around 8:30 a.m.

A mere 19 minutes and 14 seconds later, Greg Jackson crossed the finish line in first place. Jackson, a member of the 180 Energy team, said he runs a distance race once a week to stay in shape and train for other races such as the Las Vegas Marathon, which he plans to enter in December. Jackson said the Webster 5K is a perfect warm up for the bigger events.

"It's fun. I like running these races and it's for a good cause," Jackson said. "It also helps me get my legs moving before big races."

Jackson also is a member of the U. S. Military and recently returned from Iraq. The change in climate might bother most people, but a cool fall morning is just what Jackson likes.

"I love the cold," Jackson said. "Two weeks ago I got home from Iraq where it was 140 degrees and now 60 degrees feels arctic. But, I always run better in the cold."

Webster junior and international relations major Prisca Rice also ran in this year's 5K. Rice is a member of the Gorlok cross-country team
and said running in the cold is hard on her body.

"It definitely makes my joints more stiff and my muscles sore," Rice said. "But I did some plyometrics and muscular exercises before I ran."

Despite the chilly air, Rice said she enjoyed the run and the food that awaited her at the finish.

Among the Webster faculty that participated was 59-year-old James Gallogly, a Perkins Loan representative in the collections department. Gallogly said he typically runs a 5K once a month and Webster's homecoming was a great reason to lace up his sneakers.

"I'm not out to win any races," Gallogly said. "I'm strictly running for the health benefits. I usually run four to five days a week and I'll put in about 20 to 25 miles per week."

Webster alumni didn't turn out in huge numbers this year, but among those who did show up was Julie Reitinger of the Class of '99. Reitinger, who still lives in St. Louis, is also an adjunct instructor at Webster.

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