Course Provided Participants With a Challenge
CAPTION: Kenzie Kelton (left) crosses the finish line at Columbia State Community College's Respiratory Care Club's Second Annual Lungs of Steel 5k race at Maury County Park on Saturday, March 6. Shelton participated in the One Mile Fun Run.
Runners, sprinters and walkers of all ages gave up that extra hour of sleep and Saturday morning cartoons to participate in Columbia State Community College’s Respiratory Care Club’s Second Annual Lungs of Steel 5k race. The race took place on Saturday, March 6 at Maury County Park.
“It was fun. The students coordinated it, they did all the work and they made the arrangements—I’m really proud of them—they worked really hard,” said David Johnson, program director and associate professor of respiratory care at Columbia State.
The day got a running start with registration followed by the 5k race and the One Mile Fun Run. One thing all participants agreed on—the race course was both challenging and diverse.
“I am in training for the Mule Day 5k race, so I decided to run this one for practice. It was a good experience and it was definitely a tough course - aptly named ‘Lungs of Steel’” joked race participant and Columbia resident Russ Adcox.
Mt. Pleasant resident and race participant Rose Mary Cothran agreed that it was a good day for such a challenge. “I’ve been doing 5k races for probably four years—I’ve done a few distance and half marathons and one marathon. It was really a tough one. I’ve never done one that mixed in cross country, so it was definitely a challenge. It was a beautiful day for it and ended up being a lot of fun.”
Overall, the race was a success and the Respiratory Care Club looks forward to doing it for years to come. “As a long term goal for the race, we would like to make it something like a healthcare awareness day,” said John Fischer, race director and Columbia State respiratory care student. “We’ve had a good turnout for this event.”
Proceeds raised will go to help Columbia State’s respiratory students attend the Respiratory Care State Convention. “It will help to afford them the opportunity to go to the state and national conventions—and some other stuff that cost money, that they may not have,” said Johnson. “This way they can do things to see the broader spectrum of the respiratory profession other than just what’s inside the four walls of the classroom.”
To learn more about Columbia State’s Respiratory Care Program visit http://www.columbiastate.edu/respiratory-care.
