To support Sarcoma research, Marquette held its first ever President Fun Run last Saturday Sept. 16. The run was free, but all the donations collected went to the Stronger than Sarcoma fund which is co-chaired by University President Michael Lovell and his wife Amy Lovell.

On Aug. 31, 2021, Lovell announced he was diagnosed with sarcoma, a rare form of cancer.

“Sarcoma is one of the least funded cancers for research because it’s just so rare, so the idea is the more money we raise for sarcoma research, the better chance we have to find a cure for people like me to have a longer life,” Lovell said. 

The run was a 2.5-mile trail around campus, starting at the Ray and Kay Eckstein Common. Faculty, students, friends, athletes and coaches from various teams at Marquette participated.

On this weekend in past years, Marquette hosted the Briggs & Al’s Run/Walk to support Children’s Wisconsin. After 45 years of the run, it was decided it would not continue, but Lovell said that he feels that this run has the same goals in mind: to run for a good cause and provide support for those who need it.

“It’s really a great event for our community and it showcases our campus, letting people come together to enjoy fitness and a healthy lifestyle,” Lovell said.

Participants started the race under the Memorial Library bridge and ended back at the Ray and Kay Eckstein Common for refreshments.

Taylor Ostrosky, a first-year in the College of Health Sciences, said she participated in the event because it seemed like a fun way to both get to know people and do something fun outside on campus. She said she was also excited to be doing it for a good cause.

“I think it helps bring awareness to the cause and make a community around it,” Ostrosky said. “It shows the support we’re giving,”

Ally Walsh, a first-year in the College of Nursing, said she enjoys running and she thought it would be a great way to start her Saturday morning and to support people suffering from Sarcoma.

“I think it brings awareness to working towards something bigger than ourselves,” Walsh said. 

This story was written by Sophia Tiedge. She can be reached at [email protected].