USF College of Nursing hosts inaugural Scrub Run 5K
The air was brisk and slightly warmed by the rising sun as walkers and runners made their way to the University of South Florida for the inaugural College of Nursing Scrub Run 5K.
321 participants ranging from age three to 83 gathered to compete in the 1-mile fun run, 5K walk, and 5K run on Saturday morning. Participants traveled from Maryland, New York, Ohio, and Virginia to support our bull nurses. Over a dozen furry friends also joined in the fun, including beagles, greyhounds, and puppies that were just weeks old.
Photo: Rocky the Bull with Dean Menon’s fur baby, Chloe.
25-year-old Savannah Nelson sped through the three-loop, 3.1-mile course to earn first place with a time of 19:33 with 55-year-old Eric Vandervort seconds behind her at 19:49. Vandervort traveled to Tampa to compete as a Save a Lot sponsored athlete and won first male and second finisher overall. Vandervort ran the race in memory of his late mother, Shirley Buck, a nurse for over 20 years in Los Angeles, California.
Photo: Savannah Nelson & Eric Vandervort
“Just thrilled to race in the @USFHealthNurse 5K today,” said 5K run participant, Spencer Aronfeld, “no better group of folks to support than the angels that are nurses!”
Adding to the atmosphere was the College’s brand new Mo-Bull Nurse Medical Clinic which will bring health care to our region’s underserved communities, as well as Kona Ice and Celcius who served attendees post-race treats. And keeping our participants safe were our partners from the USF Medical Response Unit directed by Austin Jared and USFPD led by Sgt. Greg Vickers and Ofc. Nicole Marchesano.
“It was so much fun, I got so much enjoyment out of it because I could work it on the bike and still bring joy to people by cheering them on,” shared Marchesano, “My favorite part of the event was when I found the last runner and escorted her to the finish line. I wanted her to feel just as special at the end that she felt at the beginning of the race.”
Through the generosity of sponsors including The Florida Center for Nursing, Bayfront Health, BayCare, Lutheran Services Florida, Pro-Copy, Indo-US Chamber of Commerce, The Propeller Club of Tampa, Roost Apartment Hotel, and Orangetheory Fitness, the College was able to kick off its 50th Anniversary with this milestone community event.
Race refreshments and souvenir bags were generously provided by Celsius, Publix, and Aramark.
All proceeds from the event will directly benefit the 50th Anniversary Student Success fund at the USF College of Nursing.
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