More than 200 people participated in the seventh annual St. Jude Breakaway 5K at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, with sponsor Nu Alpha Chapter of Sigma Nu Fraternity raising $3,500 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and awarding prizes to top finishers.

 

The top three male finishers were UAFS student Isai Carranza of Rogers, first place; Tom Bullock of Fort Smith, second place; and UAFS student Mariano Mendez of Rogers, third place.

 

Top three female finishers were UAFS student Hannah Holstein of Mansfield, first place; Judy Bass of Greenwood, second place; and Autumn Hugen of Fort Smith, third place.

 

Medals were awarded to the top three male and female finishers, as well as to the top finishers in four age-group categories.

 

Event organizer Chris Elrod of Fort Smith said Sigma Nu Fraternity first came to the UAFS campus as a colony chapter in the spring of 2007, receiving charter status in the fall of 2008.

 

“During that first spring in 2007, members of Sigma Nu organized a 5K to benefit the fraternity’s national philanthropy, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital,” said Elrod.

 

The race has since become an annual event, having raised more than $10,000 for the children and families of St. Jude. This was the first time the walk/run was held on the UAFS campus.

 

“The event’s goal of $3,000 was met in large part due to our local sponsors -- Cici’s Pizza, ABF Trucking and Southern Hospitality Clothing,” said Elrod.