One look at the throng of runners that crowded the starting line at the Polar Run Saturday revealed that the race was a little out of the ordinary.
Participants dressed in a bizarre array of outfits: Some sported stacks of hats on their heads, others piled skirts and jackets atop their normal running attire; a few straggling joggers hustled to the start line tugging on a third or fourth layer of pants.
These unusual outfit choices were all part of Omega Phi Alpha’s second annual Polar Run. Runners began the race wearing extra layers and were asked to shed an item of clothing at each of the 12 garment removal stations spaced throughout the course. The clothing contributions were donated to the Salvation Army.
“I am wearing 11 shirts and an extra pair of shorts and it’s really heavy,” third-year public health student Alexi McHugh said.
This year’s Polar Run was an expansion of an event the service sorority orchestrated in the past. The 2014 5k boasted more participants and a larger running course than last year’s event according to Ashley Michelussi, the Polar Run chair.
“This year, we wanted to make it bigger so that we could promote more awareness about the homeless in this community,” Michelussi said.
Students used the event as an opportunity to check No. 40 off of the USC Bucket List, which is to run or support a 5K for charity.
Event planners said the race was scheduled on the morning of the Polar Plunge to take advantage of the hype for a good cause.
“I think it’s really important to give back to the community, and I think it’s great that organizations like this allow us to do that in a really fun way,” third-year political science student Erin Steiner said.
Omega Phi Alpha members said they hope to continue to host an annual Polar Run 5k in the future, since the sorority is centered on beliefs in the value of community service experiences and in the potential of USC students to effect change.
“It’s important to remember that we can all make a difference, and it’s important to be aware of what’s going on in our community,” said Michelussi.