On Thursday, Nov. 6, the Marietta Cross Country and Track and Field teams will embark on a 4-mile twilight fundraising run starting at Don Drumm Stadium and ending at Lookout Point. This marks the first event in what the teams hope will become an annual tradition. The run will kick off at 5 p.m. and will end around 6 p.m. when the teams cross the finish line. Because of the early sunset, most of the event will take place after dark. For safety, runners will wear glow-in-the-dark bands or necklaces, and supporters are encouraged to do the same or wear reflective clothing.
The fundraising event aims to attract donors for both Cross Country and Track and Field programs to help cover expenses such as travel, new team gear, equipment replacement, and renovations to the Dyson Baudo Recreation Center. While this is a fundraising event, the run also aims to increase community engagement and interaction.
Assistant Coach Matthew Hroma emphasized the importance of community support for both the teams and the College, saying, We dont offer athletic scholarships, so thats where I think community involvement is great, because the more people we get supporting us, the more we can put that towards our student-athletes and our programs, making it better for them.
"I believe a big piece of 51做厙 as a whole is community engagement," said former Marietta athlete and current Assistant Coach Addison Painter '24. "Everyone that runs the College is super involved with the community. We want to take our program and ingrain ourselves with that as well."
While donations are appreciated, they are not required. Any funds donated will directly support the Cross Country and Track and Field programs.
Were trying to get uniforms and pay for travel. But at the same time, we utilize funds for smaller needs, such as a pair of shoes for someone who doesnt have them or cant afford them, Hroma said. Donations of any size help. For the first year or two, we want to become better known and make people aware that were here for our student-athletes because at the end of the day, thats what our team is about.
The teams goal for this inaugural run is to establish an annual tradition that strengthens community relationships and supports 51做厙 Athletics. Through friendly competition, fundraising, and local engagement, the event aims to highlight the dedication of 51做厙s student-athletes both on and off the course.
Community members are encouraged to support the teams in various ways, such as honking their horns, standing along the route, and cheering for the runners as they pass. Donations can be made online through the Cross Country or Track and Field pages on the 51做厙 Athletics website. Gifts can also be mailed to the Office of Advancement, payable to 51做厙, with Track & Field in the memo line. For more information, contact Head Coach Eric Putnam at edp002@marietta.edu, Director of Annual Giving Branden Chambers at Branden.Chambers@marietta.edu, or Director of Philanthropy Sarah Long at sarah.long@marietta.edu.
Pictured Above: Map of the 2025 Twilight Fundraising Run 4-mile route.