Runners and walkers will raise money for the general scholarship fund tomorrow by participating in the Annual Blaufuss Scholarship Walk/Run.

The event is named for John Blaufuss, a former Emporia State controller who was killed in December 2005 after being struck by a vehicle while out jogging. Blaufuss was an employee at ESU for over 30 years, becoming the controller in 1973 after serving as the business manager for the College of Emporia.

“(He) was a big believer in Emporia State and he wanted to see students succeed, so when he was killed the university thought that it would be good to honor him by doing this event every year,” said Shanna Basset, development officer for the event.

Basset said the event has been in existence for six years and is split into two different courses. Participants can choose between a five kilometer run or a two mile walk. Both courses begin at the Sauder Alumni Center and run through the campus, eventually returning to the finish line at Sauder.

Participants can register for the event at the Sauder Alumni Center during business hours or at the event itself beginning at 4:30 p.m. The cost is $25. Anyone who has already registered can also pick up their race packet which contains a T-shirt and bib number at the Sauder Alumni Center during business hours.

“I have volunteered at the Blaufuss Run with the ESU Ambassadors for the last two years,” said Lacee Hanson, senior communication major and intern for Basset. “Previously my job has been to direct runners and walkers on the route and cheer them on.”

Other participants in this year’s run are also previous volunteers.

“I am doing the Blaufuss run this year because I wanted to help donate to the General Scholarship Fund, support the Blaufuss family and because it is part of Senior week,” said Drake Foster, senior secondary social science education major.

Foster helped direct runners and walkers, handed out water and helped with the reception that followed the event last year.

The event begins at 6 p.m. tomorrow at the Sauder Alumni Center, followed by a reception at Sauder.

Luke Bohannon