Carson 5k drawing crowd

The Eve Carson Memorial 5k for Education has raised more than $15,000 with three days left until the race, and police are preparing for a large turnout.

Saturday’s race, organized by the Phi Delta Theta fraternity and Pi Beta Phi sorority, is raising money for the Eve Marie Carson Memorial Junior-Year Merit Scholarship, named in honor of the former student body president.

Proceeds will also benefit First Book — a nonprofit organization that provides preschool children from low-income families with their first books — and Clyde Erwin Elementary School in Jacksonville, N.C.

The $15,000 counts only race fees. Phi Delta Theta and Pi Beta Phi have also held bake sales, benefit dinners and a shopping night at Uniquities on Franklin Street to raise money.

“So far, we have 700 runners registered,” said Sallie Wallace, vice president of philanthropy at Pi Beta Phi and co-director of the race. “I expect we could get anywhere over a thousand runners.”

Registration costs $15 by personal check before Saturday, $18 through credit card online and $20 on race day. Representatives will be registering runners all week in the Pit.

With such a large number of participants, the UNC Department of Public Safety is taking precautions to prevent injuries during the race.

“To say that this race is like any past races is an understatement,” said Randy Young, spokesman for the Department of Public Safety.

“We’re anticipating up to 2,000 runners, so we want to make sure everyone stays safe.”

At least eight officers from the Department of Public Safety will join Chapel Hill police and race organizers to communicate throughout the race, Young said.

Young recommended that drivers arrive early and park in one of the available North Campus parking lots or decks.

About 230 volunteers from the University and surrounding community will assist throughout the morning.

Race day will also include a silent auction, and volunteers will provide the runners with refreshments.

The race is the first major fundraiser for the Carson scholarship, which provides tuition and a summer experience for a rising senior.

Former Chancellor James Moeser, Student Body President J.J. Raynor, and Carson’s father and brother are expected to participate.

“The day is meant to pay homage to Eve’s legacy,” Young said. “I hope everyone will enjoy running in her honor.”



Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.