The Mustang Band receives many invitations to perform in big events, but to participate in them the band needs to grow in size.
Tram Nguyen
Special to Mustang News
After raising more than $2,000 in 2012, the annual Run For Music is returning this year with a new racing route and the addition of an a cappella band.
The 5K run will take place Sunday at 10 a.m. on the Cal Poly campus. Cal Poly music groups will be positioned around a track of 3.1 miles, including a total 132.11-foot climb, to direct and encourage racers with music.
“The race last year felt very well organized,” said mathematics junior Nigel Pell, a racer from last year. “The race course was clear and (there were) people directing us. It was a fun race. The hills were the hardest part.”
This will be the second time the Iota Pi chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi will host the event. Last year, approximately 120 racers from all over California participated in the race.
One-third of the profits went to the transportation fee for the Cal Poly Wind Orchestra’s trip to Europe, and $700 paid for supplies for elementary school band programs.
This year, all the proceeds will be used to support Cal Poly bands and music programs.
“We don’t have enough uniforms and equipment,” said Run For Music head Daniel Henry. “We raise funds to (increase) the capacity of new members that we can accept to the bands.”
The Mustang Band receives many invitations to perform in big events, Henry added, but to participate in those events the band needs to grow in size.
The event organizers expect more racers and funds to come in this year so they can purchase new supplies for the band room.
Prices for registration range from $20 to $30. A $5 discount is available online for early registration. Teams of 10 or more can register together for a discount. Last minute registration and pre-run festivities begin at 9 a.m.
Sponsors for the event will get their logo on the back of race T-shirts and can set up a booth to reach out to racers.