The first annual Run the World 5K run/walk to benefit future study abroad students will take place this Saturday, Sept. 12.

On-site registration and packet pick-up will begin at 7 a.m. in Risman Plaza. The run/walk will start at 8:30 a.m. There is a $25 fee to sign up and all participants will receive a t-shirt and finishers medal. The race is open to all ages.

Race Director Ed Butch said, although finances are still being figured out, he hopes to give away three $1,000 scholarships to students to use towards any study abroad program offered by Kent. 

“We knew we were basically starting from scratch with this foundation, so the way we decided to do it this year is any current student who registers for the race will be entered to win one of the scholarships,” Butch said.

Butch, who is also the assistant director of advising for the College of Arts and Sciences, studied in England while in college and has been working on this project for about a year. He said he hopes to eventually build a foundation and have students go through an application process.

“Study abroad is a passion of mine,” Butch said. “I want to give students every opportunity possible to be able to get scholarships and hopefully make it as life-changing as it was for me.”

Contact Kaitlin Walker at [email protected].