13th Annual Linda Yalem Run Set for Sept. 29

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- More than 1,600 runners, walkers and joggers are expected to participate in the 13th annual Linda Yalem Memorial Run, scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Sept. 29 on the University at Buffalo North (Amherst) Campus.

The 5K race, held in memory of a UB student who was assaulted and murdered while jogging on a bike path near the North Campus, promotes personal-safety awareness and supports campus-based crime-prevention programs. At the time of her death, Yalem was training for the New York City Marathon.

The 5K U.S.A. Track and Field certified course, part of The Buffalo News Runner of the Year Series, will start and finish near Alumni Arena. Dick Barry, recently retired UB track coach, will be the official starter for the race.

Participants can register in the main lobby of Alumni Arena from 4-7:30 p.m. Sept. 27 or from 7:30-8:30 a.m. the day of the race. Online registration online also is available at . The cost of registration is $15 before the day of the race and $18 on race day.

Awards will be given to the overall male and female finishers in the open division, the top race walkers and the top UB male, female, faculty/staff, student and alumni finishers. Prizes include gift certificates and plaques; the major raffle prize is "finish line" seating at the New York City Marathon, with air transportation provided by Jet Blue.

Finish-line results will be provided by Emery Fisher Race Crew and Don Mitchell Runtime Services. Results will be posted online.

Proceeds will be used to support rape awareness and prevention programs, safety efforts, and a UB scholarship program.

Sponsors of the race are the Division of Student Affairs, Student Association and United University Professions, all at UB, and Certo Brothers, Dole and Stouffer's.