The 2016 Barefoot Benefit, a 5K foot race and community festival organized by students in UT’s Haslam College of Business, is set for 2 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 16, in Sequoyah Hills Park.
Race registration and activities begin at 12:30 p.m. The event features music, food, games and family activities, and includes door prizes from local businesses such as Regal Cinemas. All proceeds will be donated to Samaritan Place, an emergency shelter for senior citizens.
Participants are invited to take their shoes off and enjoy the Sequoyah Hills Park lawn.
“The Barefoot Benefit is going to be exhilarating,” said Stephanie Yeap, a supply chain management senior and member of the benefit’s student-run executive team. “Although going barefoot is optional, running with bare feet on cool grass will be something to remember.”
Yeap said organizing the race and festival has served as an educational service-learning experience for students.
“This has been a great capstone experience for us,” she said. “We also have several alumni helping out. In fact, three classes are coming together as a collective to help make the event a success.”
Ernie Cadotte, Fischer Professor of Innovative Learning, said managing the intricacies of a 5K provides a significant educational opportunity.
“The students break ties with the normal classroom setting and instead are challenged to create a hands-on learning experience,” said Cadotte. “Their mission is to bring the community together, both in support of Samaritan Place and to enjoy a beautiful day with friends and family.”
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CONTACT:
Gerhard Schneibel (865-974-2894, gschneib@utk.edu)
Tyra Haag (865-974-5460, tyra.haag@tennessee.edu)