Last year’s Eve Carson Memorial 5K for Education was nothing short of a celebration. And on Saturday, the celebration will continue.
“I remember laughing more than anything in the race,” said junior Hogan Medlin, who ran in last year’s 5K. “It felt like there were thousands of people there, and when we all began, it was just this big hoorah. It was extremely uplifting.”
Following the period of mourning after Carson’s death in March 2008, the race, co-sponsored by Pi Beta Phi sorority and Phi Delta Theta fraternity, marked the first public attempt to celebrate the late student body president’s life.
“You’re not running towards something idealistic, but towards a scholarship that’s going to help students,” said Medlin, who was close friends with Carson. “You’re able to help someone by commemorating someone else. That hits home more than just raising money for a foundation.”
Registration numbers indicate that the race will be the largest 5K ever at UNC, with more than 1,200 people signed up as of Thursday.
Junior Lauren-Kelly Devine, philanthropy chairwoman of Pi Beta Phi, said she recognizes the race as a unifying force throughout UNC. She said people are drawn to the race because of what Carson represented to the UNC student body.
“It’s more than just a race,” she said. “It’s a celebration of Eve’s life, her legacy.”
Senior Charlie Hicks, philanthropy chairman of Phi Delta Theta, agreed.
“People don’t just come for the race,” he said. “They come for the cause.”
