Nursing sophomore Shannon Hemschoot went for a run this weekend, but it had more meaning for her than the average jog.
Hemschoot, whose mother died of breast cancer, participated yesterday in the sixth annual Rena Rowan Ribbon 5K Run to benefit those suffering from the disease.
The race - named after Rena Rowan, a fashion designer, philanthropist and breast-cancer survivor - raised money to benefit the Rena Rowan Breast Center, part of Penn's Abramson Cancer Center. Rowan founded the center in 2000.
"You never know who the money is going to go to," Hemschoot said. "I could be helping someone just like my mom."
Penn's Panhellenic Council organized the run, which rounded out this year's Greek Week.
With about 125 people participating, College senior and Panhellenic Council secretary Laura Kittell said she considered the race a success. "It was nice to see the community come together and was a great way to end Greek Week," she said.
Drexel sophomore and defending champion Christopher Grace won the race with a time of 15 minutes and 11 seconds.
"I am a bio-med major, so I wanted to support this cause," Grace said.
Penn alumna Dana McCurdy had the fastest women's time at 16 minutes and 56 seconds.
The race cost $15 with pre-registration and $20 the day of the event and included a hat.
Many cancer patients endure chemotherapy or radiation treatments on a regular basis. Money raised provides patients with wigs, baby-sitters for patients' young children and lemon candies that help relieve the bad taste common with chemotherapy, Kittell said.
Participants in the race followed a course that looped around Locust Walk, Drexel's campus, Franklin Field and the Quadrangle and finished across from the Au Bon Pain at Huntsman Hall.
The race brought together many of Penn's sororities, clubs and sports teams in support.
Engineering senior Ryan Rayfield, who finished in second place for the men, and College senior Sam Peelle, both represented the men's squash team and have run the race for the past four years.
"I wouldn't miss it for my life," Peelle said.
Rayfield described the feeling he gets when he completes the run as "euphoric."
Not everyone who participated in the race had so much experience. Sunday was the first experience with the Rena Rowan Ribbon Run for many students.
"This is my last chance to participate, so I figured it was a good way to support women at the University," College senior Lillian Ringel said.
