Theme changed for DECA 5k

The third annual DECA 5k received a whole new look this year with a change of the theme.

DECA is a club on campus that prepares future leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management at the collegiate level.

Each year the Ottawa University’s DECA chapter organizes a 5k to help raise money. For the past two years it has been known as the “Haunted Hike,” but this year president April Jacobson decided to make it into a breast cancer awareness 5k.

“The reasoning behind the change was to encourage more people to sign up for it,” Vice President Mallory Kleoppel said. “More people will want to sign up if it is for a good cause and people got confused about the Haunted Hike when it came to dressing up and stuff.”

The 5k turned out to be a huge success according to DECA member Rachel Pierce.

“Compared to last year, we had a lot more people sign up in the cafeteria and even more signed up the day of the race,” Pierce said. “I’m actually surprised at how many came to the event with the cold weather and all.”

Along with the theme change came more sponsors and donations.

“We had a lot more sponsorships and donations compared to last year’s 5k,” Pierce said. “I think it had a lot to do with what the money was going to because everyone likes to help when it comes to something as serious as cancer.”

Former president Michael Matos helped the club wherever he could.

“Michael has helped by giving us tools and contact information of people who could help make this happen,” Kleoppel said.

Trophies were handed out to the winners of each category that included: male/female overall, 16 and under, 17- 30, 31- 60 and 61 and up.

Participant Shawn Turner said he was excited to see everyone out to support a good cause.

“This is my second year doing the DECA 5k and it felt really good to know my money went to help find a cure,” Turner said. “It feels good to help support something that affects so many people.”

The 5k could not have been pulled off if it were not for the members working together as a team.

“I think we have a really good leadership vibe within our organization,” Kleoppel said. “We all worked hard to produce some amazing results and I am so proud of everyone who was responsible for putting the 5k together.”