Join other library supporters at the 19th annual “Love Your Libraries” Fun Run, sponsored by Comcast and hosted by the University of Tennessee Graduate Student Senate. The 5K race and fun walk will take place Saturday, March 5, 2011. Registration is from 6:45 to 7:45 a.m. in Circle Park on the UT campus, and the 5K race and one-mile fun walk begin at 8:00 a.m. Proceeds benefit the University of Tennessee Libraries.

The Graduate Student Senate hosted its first race to benefit the UT Libraries in 1992. Proceeds from the race assist the libraries in purchasing much-needed electronic resources, books, equipment, and other items critical for student success at the University of Tennessee.

Each year, corporate sponsors throughout the Knoxville community help make the Fun Run possible with charitable gifts. Once again Comcast, our title sponsor, will provide financial support and airtime on their cable television network to advertise the event. Other major sponsors include the UT Federal Credit Union, Runners Market, Brandon’s Awards, Miche Bags, Regal Entertainment, Dr. William Kim Salmons, and the UT Bookstore.

The race is sanctioned and emceed by the Knoxville Track Club. An awards ceremony will follow the race. Awards will be given to the top three runners overall, 1st Masters (40+) and 1st Grand Masters (50+), male and female — as well as awards given by age and gender. The Fastest UT Runner (student, faculty, or staff), Best Team (organization with most registrants), and Best Costume (team with the best coordinated outfits) also will be recognized. Awards must be picked up on race day; they will not be mailed. Fun Run t-shirts are guaranteed to all pre-registered runners. Shirts will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis on race day.

Pre-registrations must be postmarked by February 26. Entry forms are available here. Check out the race route.

For more information, contact the Graduate Student Senate (gss2@utk.edu or 865-974-2377).