The 3rd Annual Purple Donut Run returns for another burst of Homecoming sugar! Students, alumni, staff, faculty, siblings, grandparents, and more will be lacing up for the sweetest race of the year this Saturday, October 11, at 8 a.m.. Last year’s run drew 670 participants, and this year the goal is to hit more than one thousand!
Director of Alumni and Parent Engagement, Monte Abeler says all you need to do is remember the official unofficial UNW Code of the Donut, “You DONUT have to pay, you DONUT have to run, you DONUT have to 5k, you can just run the loop, you DONUT have to do it alone, and you DONUT want to miss it.”
And while you DONUT have to do any of those things, you do get a free donut and you do need to sign up. Bon Appétit is donating the first 500 donuts, and the rest will come from an alumni-owned donut shop called Donut Star. So either way, you’re in for a treat.
This year’s run will feature four heats:
- The Racer Heat – for those sprinting to win.
- The Runner Heat – for anyone running the full length.
- The Funner Heat – for the walkers.
- The Donut Loopers Heat – for those who DONUT want to go the full distance but still want in on the fun.
Students who DONUT want to run but would like to volunteer can reach out to Monte Abeler at mwabeler@unwsp.edu. Assistant Director of Enrollment Marketing Angel Beaufeaux says, “”(Everybody) should come out to the Purple Donut Run because it’s so much fun and always brings a ton of energy. It is without a doubt one of my favorite parts of Homecoming and Family Weekend!”
This year brings an extra twist: one lucky student has the chance to win a scholarship. A generous donor is pledging $1 for every single participant in the Purple Donut Run.
How can YOU win the scholarship?
Head to Eagle Giving Day on Thursday, October 16, in the Billy Graham building to enter. By writing thank-you cards, your name will be entered into a raffle. That same evening, by 11 p.m. in the Robertson Student Center, the winner will be revealed! Don’t miss your chance to run, walk, laugh, eat, and maybe even win a scholarship. Register for free at unwsp.edu/homecoming, and while you’re there, sign up for the Homecoming Breakfast following the race. You DONUT want to miss this!
