To join the Habitat for Humanity’s walk/run—around SU’s Campus—take the Connective Corridor bus routes 443 or 543 to park at Manley.

Syracuse University and SUNY-ESF students want you to lace up your running shoes for two worthy local causes – affordable, quality housing and HIV/AIDS prevention, education and support. The SU/SUNY-ESF chapter of Habitat for Humanity and OrangeAID have joined forces to host the May Day 5K Walk/Run on May 1. The event will benefit Habitat for Humanity, which raises awareness for the issue of inadequate housing for those in need, and builds a new house each year in the Syracuse area. It will also benefit AIDS Community Resources, a non-profit organization that provides prevention, education, and support for those affected by and living with HIV/AIDS in the Central, Northern, and Mohawk Valley areas regions of New York State.

The event will begin at 10 a.m. on the SU Quad, circle campus twice, and finish on the Quad. This event is open to the public, and organizers invite runners and walkers of all ability levels to participate.

“Whether you exercise for the thrill of it or for relaxation, physical activity is key to personal fitness,” say Justin Cole, executive director of SU/SUNY-ESF Habitat for Humanity and Emily Allen, founder of OrangeAID. “We designed this event to extend the benefit beyond personal fitness to public good. By joining us for the May Day 5K, you support the work of two community-based resources here in the Syracuse area who are doing tremendously important work. So let’s get moving!”

Habitat and OrangeAID have collaborated with SU’s Department of Recreation Services and the Healthy Monday program to support and promote the event. It has also partnered with health-oriented organizations such as Fleet Feet, RoadID, and the Syracuse Chargers to provide this low-cost event.
The registration fee is $13 for registrations postmarked before April 27, and online registrations (PayPal and credit cards accepted) processed by April 30. The fee on the day of the event is $15. The fee includes a t-shirt, post-race refreshments, entertainment provided by WERW, and awards. To register visit http://students.syr.edu/habitat/mayday.html.

The SU/SUNY-ESF chapter of Habitat for Humanity works with students to forward the mission of Habitat for Humanity. The chapter was established in 1991. OrangeAID serves members of the campus and the Syracuse communities whose lives have been affected by HIV/AIDS, and to spread messages of compassion and service to those in need. OrangeAID aims to make a difference through fundraising, volunteering, and student outreach. It was founded in 2008.

For more information on the May Day 5K, contact Justin Cole at justinmichaelcole@gmail.com.