SU Hosts Veteran’s Day 5K Race

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (CITRUSTV NEWS) — Syracuse University hosted its tenth annual Veterans Day “Fun Run and Walk 5k” Tuesday (Nov. 11). Bright and early at 6 a.m., ROTC cadets, veterans and community members gathered on the Quad to show their support for those who have served.  

Though participants were met with a challenge: snow. Loads of it, which covered campus pathways overnight until dawn. Despite the weather, runners and walkers alike pushed through the cold, embodying the spirit of resilience of those they honored. 

One of the hundreds of participants was United States Veteran Ron Novack, the Executive Director For Veteran & Military Affairs at the university. 

“It has been an amazing run still serving our nation but serving our nation with our student veterans here in higher education,” he said.

Novack said that the race builds belonging and comradely amongst the community. 

“It’s one day out of the year when we all come together at zero six-thirty in the morning to do physical fitness,” he said, noting the holiday’s meaning. “All of us that have been in the military know that zero six-thirty is a sacred hour of the day when camps, posts, and stations across the world come together,” Novack said. 

The appreciation for service members extends beyond November 11.

 “Everyday at Syracuse University is Veterans Day,” Novack said. 

Dwayne Murray is the Deputy Director For Veteran & Military Affairs at Syracuse University, and said that returning to Syracuse coming out of active duty for 25 years is full circle. He believes that the snow added a “nice touch” to the race, as it parallels the perseverance and dedication of service members.

“People have served in harsher conditions than today,” Murray said. “Surely, we can stand out here for a couple of minutes or run for 20 or 30 minutes or however long it takes knowing and understanding and thinking about some of the sacrifices that our veterans have made in all types of conditions,” Murray said. 

As participants neared the end of the 5k and the sun rose, so did their spirits. The runners and walkers gathered at Hendricks Chapel to pose with Otto and the American Flag. 

Reporter: Skylar Smith