For the first time at St. Edward’s, students joined together to run in support of Breast Cancer Awareness month on Oct. 11. The University Programming Board sponsored an event, Run Pink, where students could grab a pink ribbon and a refreshment while walking or running a route around the school.

St. Edward’s is a smaller campus, but the goal remains the same. Students participated to honor cancer survivors, raise awareness for those still struggling with the disease and show their support for the cause.

The campus was quiet around 6:45 p.m. when students slowly began to trickle onto Ragsdale lawn in their pink clothes, with their running shoes on and water bottles in hand. The run started on the Ragsdale lawn and circled around campus. UPB placed pink flags around campus to mark the course.

At events like this, there are usually a wide array of reasons people participate. For freshman Kelsey Haynes, this event was something she instantly knew she wanted to participate in.

“Many of my family members have been taken by cancer,” Haynes said. “So it has a spot in my heart. I also enjoy running, I mean, as much as you can enjoy it, so I really wanted to do this.”

Haynes looped around the course a few times, given that the course wasn’t particularly lengthy.

Other students saw the flyer and joined the run because they believe in supporting this cause. 

“I wanted to get involved with the community and raise awareness for breast cancer, I really just want to show my support,” junior Harry Hauserman said.

While some said that they have no personal connection to anyone with breast cancer, they still felt a strong desire to show up and raise awareness.

“I feel like this is a good way to support, maybe in a way that I couldn’t otherwise, because it’s a good cause. It’s also good exercise for me and my dog,” sophomore Aylin Martinez said.

The Hilltoppers ran around the campus with their pink ribbons, representing St. Edward’s and Austin while showing their support for the cause.