Dozens brave wet and windy weather for Run to Remember

Posted: Apr 21, 2010 8:45 PM by Danielle Lerner
Updated: Apr 21, 2010 8:45 PM

Dozens of people donned their running, or walking gear for this year's Run to Remember.

The event is now in its eighth year.

It is a 5K run through the Cal Poly campus and it is for a good cause.

All of the money raised benefits the Sexual Assault Free Environment Resource Center, or SAFER.

Both organizers and participants say sexual assault is an issue that hits close to home for many college students.

The wet and windy weather did not stop dozens of people from taking part in this year's Run to Remember.

"I gave blood today so I'm probably going to walk and run a little bit," said Cody Ward, a first year student, "do mostly walking because I'm probably not in the best shape of my life."

Wednesday's 5K race was more about the cause than the course.

The event benefits the Sexual Assault Free Environment Center, or SAFER, which raises awareness about sexual assault and promotes prevention.

"It's important for the community to know, as well as the campus here to know, that sexual assault is a very real thing and that it can happen to anyone," said Matt Lancara, who works for the Student Life and Leadership office on campus.

It happened to Cal Poly student Rachel Newhouse and Cuesta College student Aundria Crawford back in 1998.

Rex Krebs was later found guilty of raping and murdering the 20-year-old girls.

Then there is Kristin Smart, who disappeared from the Cal Poly campus in 1996.

Her body has not been found and no one has been charged with her disappearance.

The Run to Remember honors them all.

Small steps to keep what happened to them, from happening again.

"It's nice," said Jack Malloy, a third year student. "It's something everyone can do, they can come out and help out the community."

Organizers were hoping to raise about $5,000 this year.

To learn more about SAFER go to ksby.com and click on Newslinks.