Expanded to 5K, "Slush Rush" helps international scholarships

SUNY Fredonia’s International Education Center is hosting its third annual Slush Rush race on Sunday, March 6. However, organizers have expanded the race this year to a full 5K (3.1 mile) distance on a closed course, up from the shorter 3K “Fun Run” that was used in the first two years.

In addition, the start time has been moved up to 9 a.m. this year, to be consistent with other race start times in the area. The race will begin at 9 a.m. from the campus’ Williams Center, and end at the same location. International Education team members will present awards for different age groups, raffle prizes and premier a new T-shirt, designed by a SUNY Fredonia student.

“We took participant feedback to heart and made several changes this year,” said Mary Hills, assistant director of International Education. “Last year, we were able to raise enough money to start giving out scholarships this year. We hope the funds raised will make it possible for more students to study abroad and also for more international students to attend classes here at Fredonia.”

Dubbed the Slush Rush because of the likelihood of snow, the race is held in remembrance of Xylia Peterson, ’85, an international student at SUNY Fredonia who went on to become an important, contributing member of the community before she died tragically in an automobile accident at the age of 45. The Xylia Peterson ’85, Memorial Fund was established in her honor to provide international education scholarships to full-time juniors and seniors at SUNY Fredonia.

Registration is $10 for students and $15 for the general public. Registration includes food, refreshments, a T-shirt and a raffle ticket. Runners will be served lunch following the race in the Williams Center Multipurpose Room.

To register, visit www.fredonia.edu/internationaleducation or call 716-673-3451. Registration will also be held on race day from 7 to 8:30 a.m.