The chilly morning air was not enough to keep runners away from Philanthropists at Colgate’s (PAC) Annual 5K Fall Festival this past Saturday at 9:30 a.m. The 5K run was sponsored by the PAC House to support Madison County Gives, a crowdfunding website for organizations in Madison County. Runners had the opportunity to make a donation when signing up to participate.

Madison County Gives will officially launch in December and will be supporting eight different organizations. Colgate’s own Konosioni Senior Honor Society and the Upstate Institute specifically chose to partner with Madison County Gives to make donations to nonprofits in the Madison county area much more accessible. BRiDGES, Caz Cares, Chenango Nursery School, Community Action Partnership’s Mary Rose Clinic, Community Bikes, Emmaus House, Kelberman Center and Wanderer’s Rest Humane Association are expected to benefit from the proceeds from the 5K run.

“Through the site, we’re trying to raise $32,000. All the proceeds for this race are going to be divided equally among these not-for-profits,” Julie Dudrick, Project Director of the Upstate Institute said. 

The crowd outside the PAC House grew in size as more people gathered to register. Music pumped up the runners, and a table topped with breakfast foods and drinks provided them with a last minute burst of energy.

“I was a little nervous about racing because it’s been a while since I’ve done a 5K, but I was looking forward to it,”  junior Rachel Neal said. “I think this event is awesome and because it’s Family Weekend, it draws more of a crowd.”

The 5K started at 110 Broad Street and made its way through College Street, W. Kendrick Avenue and Lebanon Street. Runners turned around at the end of Lebanon Street to head back to the PAC House. Volunteers were located at each turn with a sign providing directions while cheering for the participants. 

Three Colgate students and three community members had the pleasure of winning pies and pumpkin rolls. PAC offered fun activities such as pumpkin decorating after the run for participants and their families.

“We wanted to bring the Colgate community, the families and the Hamilton community together,” junior Meredith Reynolds, event coordinator for the PAC House said. To get more  information on Madison County Gives or to donate, visit http://madisoncountygives.org.