News

4-20: celebrated with runners’ high

Alcohol and Drug Education Programs bring 5k as healthy alternative

By Rhiannon Sawtelle

Posted on April 21, 2008, at 12:00 a.m.

It probably isn’t what most marijuana smokers on campus planned on doing this 4-20.

The Alcohol and Drug Education Programs (ADEP) held its first annual 4-20 5K race at 4:20 p.m. Sunday. April 20, or 4-20, is a day associated with smoking marijuana. Urban legends claiming 420 is the police code for a marijuana bust have led to the day and hour becoming the universal time to toke up.

ADEP wants to change this image. The office, along with Student Affairs, wants to promote a healthy lifestyle on a day typically known for unhealthy choices.

“We wanted to give people an alternative on 4-20. We’re not just making a joke about marijuana,” Director of Alcohol and Drug Education Lauri Sidelko said.

Many volunteers were on hand, including those who have marijuana violations on campus. Some sanctions after on-campus violations required community service. Although they were not forced to come to the race, many of those with violations chose this option for their community service. Other volunteers came to represent Adapt, a division of ADEP.

The 5K started at the Recreation and Fitness Center and made its way around Orono. The route took runners to Park Street, College Avenue and back to the Recreation Center. Results will be posted on Sub5, a Web site used to track 5K times and wins.

Both male and female division winners received prize packets donated from the Office of Student Affairs and Bangor area businesses. The first 200 race registrants received free 4-20 T-shirts. As of last Thursday, at least 70 participants registered and more were expected to sign-up by race day.

The race was free for students and $5 for community members wishing to participate. The fee helped with the cost of T-shirts. The race was partially sponsored by Student Affairs and Student Government. Community members had free use of the Recreation Center after the race. Healthy snacks were on hand.

Sidelko said her office is often associated with negative aspects, such as violations on campus, but the race would bring a positive light to ADEP as well. “The campus is moving in the direction of wellness. We want to be a part of it,” she said.

Runners appreciate the time and date as well. “I think it puts a little bit of humor into the race and will help with recognition and participation,” said sophomore runner Rebekah Michaud. “A lot of my friends are doing it. They all ran track in high school and love to run whenever they get an opportunity, especially if there is going to be free T-shirts and food.”

Not all runners were doing it for competition. The race included many walkers and people looking to get active. “People want to get involved and help out,” Peters said.

The race is the first of its kind to be held on campus, but the ADEP office hopes to get its name out there. The decision on the race was made at last year’s staff retreat and is a tradition they hope to carry on to the future.

“We support all different facets of wellness,” said ADEP graduate assistant, Beth Peters.

This entry was posted on Monday, April 21st, 2008, 12:00 am. You can follow any responses to this article through the RSS feed.