Students, teachers and community members braved the cold for the third annual Red Rush 5K last Sunday.

The fundraiser was part of the participation in LLS month—a tradition in February in which the SGA and students raise money for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society.

The event started off with a speech from LLS sponsor Ellen Shannon and event organizer, senior Alex Hosker.

“It’s really great to see how many students and parents want to be a part of something as special as Red Rush,” Hosker said.

Hosker then joined members of men’s choir to sing the national anthem.

Runner and choir member, junior Bryan Eng, has participated in the event for the past two years.

“To most of us I think it’s just a small contribution that we can make to kick-off the event,” Eng said.

The race began at 9:00 am and consisted of a loop beginning and ending in the Whitman parking lot.

“My favorite part of the event is when the start bell goes off, because then everything feels real and accomplished,” said junior Selvi Ulusan, who helped organize the event.

Ulusan explained the immense time and pressure in the month of planning that went into organizing the race.

“An event like Red Rush has a lot of details that need to get done. You have to get a permit, design shirts, talk to businesses for sponsorships, etc.,” Ulusan said.

Despite the slight decline in participation, those who did run seemed enthusiastic and dedicated to the cause.

Sophomore Hannah Lenkin ran the 5k for the first time with friends.

“Supporting all cancer research means a lot to me because I have had too many relatives die of cancer,” Lenkin said.

Leukemia and Lymphoma are no light topics, but Red Rush seemed to create a healthy outlet for the community to come together in a united front against cancer. Crossing the finish line is just another small milestone to beating the vicious disease that means so much to so many.

“It’s a great event that brings the Whitman community together to raise money for cancer research,” Hosker said.

Video by Julian Robinson.