Student Leaders in International Medicine

SLIM 5K/10K TO TACKLE HIV/AIDS IN KENYA & MALAWI

HOSTED BY:

Student Leaders in International Medicine (SLIM)

Kenya Pediatric HIV Project (KPHP)

APRIL 4, 2009!

Thanks again to those of you that supported the Project Malawi Spring Run in its first two years!  In light of our collaboration with the Kenya Pediatrict HIV Project (KPHP) this year, the name of the race has changed--it is now the "SLIM 5k/10k." We are excited to bring you an even greater race experience in the Run's third year.  The bottom line here folks is that you're not going to find a better-equipped race with as many features or perks for such a low cost anywhere else in the area! 

Features of the 2009 Spring Run
-t-shirt
-age groups (see details below)
-post-race food spread (compliments of John McGinnis & Co.) and energy bars
-FREE shuttle to and from South Park on race day (from Pitt campus)
-medals to winners of age brackets
-post-race chair massages (compliments of Massage Envy)
-raffle of gift certificates and products contributed by sponsors as well as artwork and wood carvings from Malawi
-prizes to overall male/female winners of both 5k and 10k (custom fitting and running shoes from Fleet Feet Sports) 
-hydration stations (compliments of Vitalyte)
-music
-accurate 5k and 10k race courses with the help of MapMyRun
-professional chip timing provided by Runner's High                                       

Race participants should try to arrive at least a half hour before the start of their race. 

The morning will unfold as follows:

8:30am Shuttles leave Pitt campus for South Park

9:00am  Race check-in opens

9:45am  10k starting horn sounds

10:00am  5k starting horn sounds

All participants must check in at the registration table.  At the table, you will receive your race number.  Runners will then be given running chips, which correspond to the race numbers. ALL CHIPS MUST BE RETURNED after the race. RUNNERS WILL BE HELD PERSONALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY UNRETURNED CHIPS. You may run or walk.  You will not receive anything in the mail prior to the race and nothing besides your timing chip until after the race.  

Throughout the course, you will see chalked arrows and signs directing you as you make your way through the course.  In addition, event volunteers and/or South Park police officers will be present at intersections to direct you.  It is suggested that all participants check out the RACE ROUTES before race day.

If you have any questions on race day, event volunteers will be happy to assist you.  Look for people wearing neon-colored t-shirts. 

The following age groups will be observed at the run:

5k Men     5k Women     10k Men     10k Women
  <18            <18               <18              <18
18-24        18-24              18-24           18-24
25-34        25-34              25-34           25-34
35-44        35-44              35-44           35-44
45-54        45-54              45-54           45-54
  >55            >55               >55              >55

For the distribution of medals, racers will be broken down into the age groups listed above, for both the 5k and 10k,  as well as by gender. Medals will be distributed to the winner of every age group in these categories. The 2nd and 3rd place finishers in the age groups will also be awarded medals.

In addition to receiving medals, the overall male/female winners of the 5k and 10k will be custom-fitted for running shoes, compliments of the SLIM 5k/10k's premier sponsor, Fleet Feet Sports Pittsburgh.

Hydration tables offering Vitalyte will be located at the registration building.  There will also be a table at the 5 kilometer mark of the 10k route.  We would like to thank Vitalyte for providing hydration for a third consecutive year.  More information about this product can be found on the Vitalyte website.

After completing the race, participants will enjoy a post-race food spread consisting of bagels and fruit generously provided by John McGinnis Co., as well as energy bars. Participants will also enjoy free chair massages provided by Massage Envy.  Raffle winners will be posted, and winners can claim their prizes.  Finishing times for all runners will also be posted.  All participants will also collect their racer bags and t-shirts after the race.                         

Note: If you are relying on the shuttle to transport you back to Oakland, event volunteers will ensure that the buses do not leave without you!

Raffle winners will be announced at the race.  Entry into the raffle is the only feature of the event not included in the registration cost.  Tickets are $1 (3 for $2).  If you are near the Pitt campus, you can buy raffle tickets at a SLIM registration table (Towers Lobby).  You can also email slim.pitt@gmail.com to arrange to purchase tickets.  If you are not in Oakland, you can purchase tickets by making a donation through the SLIM website.  Email the address mentioned above to indicate that your donation was made for the purchase of raffle tickets. 

The location of the race is very near to the intersection between Route 88/Libary Rd., Baptist Rd., and Corrigan Dr. in Bethel Park, but the race takes place in South Park.  Follow Rt. 88 South from Rt. 51 to this intersection.  You will see a sign: "Welcome to South Park" at the corner of Corrigan Dr. and Library Rd.  Head through the intersection, bearing slightly left so that the sign is on your right side.  About a quarter of a mile down Corrigan Dr., you will see the South Park Ice-Skating Rink.  The race will be starting on 100 Acre Dr, Bethel Park, PA 15102 (you can locate it on Google Maps it if you wish).  Check-in will take place on the hill to the left of the Silent Brook Barn, which is at the intersection of Corrigan Dr. and 100 Acre Dr.  You may park at the giant parking lot adjacent to the ice-skating rink.  A crossing guard will be present to help you cross Corrigan Dr. safely. 

If you are taking the free shuttle from Oakland, the shuttle will be leaving from in front of the Pittsburgh Athletic Association building at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Bigelow Blvd. at 8:30am on the morning of the 4th (race day).  Please be on time, the shuttle will not wait for you!!!  Seating on the shuttle is also on a first-come-first-served basis, though we haven't ever run out of seating in the past.  You will be dropped off in the ice-skating rink parking lot.  After the race, you will catch the shuttle back to Oakland from the same location.

There will be signs and volunteers this year to direct you from the parking lot to check-in.  Volunteers will be wearing neon-colored shirts.