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MathFest 5K Fun Run/Walk Helps Portland's Homeless

This year's edition of the 5K Fun Run/Walk, at MathFest in Portland, Oregon, was a bigger and better version of the first race, held last August in Madison, Wisconsin.

First, the race grew by about 50 participants to around 175 runners and walkers. Second, the MAA was proud to donate $2,500 to JOIN, a Portland non-profit organization that supports the efforts of homeless individuals and families to transition out of homelessness into permanent housing.

Founded in 1992, JOIN bridges the gap between homeless and housed members of the community. They are grounded in an innovative blend of harm reduction and mutual relationships that emphasize strengths rather than deficits.

The run/walk began and finished in the beautiful Tom McCall Waterfront Park and followed a scenic route around the Willamette River. The event was made possible by the support of its sponsors; Brooks/Cole Cengage Learning and Texas A&M Department of Statistics. Below are the top five men and women finishers and their times.

  1. Todd Mitchell 17:46
  2. Ben Lewis 17:57
  3. Dick Jardine 20:25
  4. Keith Hubbard 20:41
  5. Ockle Johnson 21:04
  1. Julie Staub 21:38
  2. Kendra Killpatrick Bolan 23:24
  3. Becky Swanson 24:15
  4. Katie Volz 27:22
  5. Annalisa Crannell 27:30

Participants at the start of the 5K (left), MAA President David Bressoud presents JOIN Executive Director Marc Jolin with the $2,500 check at the MAA Business Meeting (center), and 5K winner Todd Mitchell of Calvin College (right).

News Date: 
Friday, August 14, 2009