Running can burn calories and lift your mood. This February, running can also raise money to fight cancer.
For every mile logged on the two pink treadmills in Carmichael Recreation Center from January 30 to February 28, Cybex will donate 10 cents to the Kay Yow Cancer Fund in a program called Miles 4 Kay.
The Kay Yow Cancer Fund operates in memory of the late women’s basketball coach. It raises money to fund research and help the underserved to fight against women’s cancers.
Laura Karpf, assistant director of Campus Recreation, said the University is aiming for 10,000 miles to be logged on the pink machines.
“10,000 miles is going to be tough. But, there are some runners out there who run constantly. We will be able to do it if people know about it and know why we are doing it. Maybe the people who typically run outside would run inside for that cause,” Karpf said. “It is a lofty goal, but we can accomplish it.”
The pink treadmills will be on the third floor of the Rec Center, and they will be available to students during normal operating hours. Cybex International, an exercise equipment maker, has not set a maximum donation, according to Karpf. Campus Recreation will keep track of the number of miles run on the pink treadmills.
“We are going to check it every couple of days, and we will have a chart up there so people can see the progress,” Karpf said.
Josh Allen, Cybex’s territory manager in North and South Carolina, said the company thought Miles 4 Kay would be a creative way to get people to partner against cancer.
“We [are] committed to being part of that, especially since it is such a great cause,” Allen said. “We are trying to get more involved each year.”
Karpf said Miles 4 Kay will have benefits besides helping the Kay Yow Cancer Fund.
“It is promoting awareness and promoting lifelong wellness, early detection. Awareness of breast cancer, awareness of health issues overall, the importance of exercise, staying fit, and staying healthy whether that means running four miles or walking for 15 minutes,” Karpf said.
Miles 4 Kay also keeps the memory and legacy of Kay Yow going.
“Kay Yow was one of our biggest icons here on campus,” Karpf said.
Some groups, such as the engineering sorority Alpha Omega Epsilon, have committed to have people on the treadmills for a set time period. Karpf said other groups are welcome to commit to keeping to treadmills running.
”If any other groups want to be involved, we are more than willing to pencil them in,” Karpf said.
“You are exercising. We are here to promote health and fitness. If we can raise the money while we are doing it, why not?” Karpf said.
Karpf said the staff of the Carmichael Complex is committed to Miles 4 Kay.
“Our associate director [Steven Harrell] is leaving to go to Iraq for about a year, so he is on military leave. But, he was really big on [Miles 4 Kay] before he left and was really interested in the program and shared that excitement with us,” Karpf said. “Our fitness director has caught on completely. She is a cancer survivor as well.”
The pink treadmill that athletics uses will also be included in the miles tallied for Cybex’s donation.
On January 30, the treadmills will be in Reynolds Coliseum for the Hoops for Hope game. Following the game, Cybex will move the treadmills back to Carmichael and anyone will be able to use them.
”They were going to start on February first for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. But, because the Hoops for Hope game is on the thirtieth, Cybex has agreed to [start on January 30],” Karpf said.
