UT business students will host their fourth annual Barefoot Benefit 5K on Sunday, October 27.
The 2:00 p.m. event will take place along the Tennessee River on Cherokee Boulevard in Sequoyah Hills. Seven undergraduates in the College of Business Administration are organizing it as part of a service-learning course.
The benefit is a run or walk of either 5K, which is 3.1 miles, or one mile. Shoes are permitted but not required.
All proceeds from the event will go to Samaritan Place, a Knoxville-area shelter specializing in the care of low-income senior citizens.
To register before race day, visit http://tinyurl.com/p5dwq9m. Race-day registration opens at 12:30 p.m.
Ernie Cadotte, professor of the service-learning course that is organizing the benefit, said he has high hopes for this year’s turnout. Last year’s event drew 180 participants, and he anticipates 250 runners and walkers this year.
He noted that the Barefoot Benefit allows students to break ties with the normal classroom setting and instead be challenged to create a hands-on learning experience.
“The students’ mission is to bring the community together, both in support of Samaritan Place and to enjoy a beautiful day with friends and family,” Cadotte said.
In addition to the race, the event will include live entertainment, free food, and prizes.
Pilot Flying J, Hot 104.5, and WBIR-TV are sponsoring the event.
Students involved in planning the Barefoot Benefit said they are excited to display their hard work.
“I have never been able to learn so much in such a short amount of time than I have with the Barefoot Benefit,” said Casey Fitzgerald, CEO of the Barefoot Benefit executive team. “The class throws you head-first into the real business world of negotiations, professionalism, and networking. Not only has it enabled me to make lasting friendships, but it has helped me grow both emotionally and as a business leader.”
For more information about the Barefoot Benefit, visit Facebook.
For more information about the UT College of Business Administration, visit the website.
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CONTACT:
Cindy Raines (865-974-4359, craines1@utk.edu)
Lola Alapo (865-974-3993, lalapo@utk.edu)