Runners dressed as Wonder Woman gathered Saturday morning on the WSU campus for the Wonder Woman College 5K run. The event was open to WSU students, staff and members of the Pullman community. The run had music, a variety of Wonder Woman themed merchandise and Insomnia Cookies for attendees.
“I’ve always been a runner, but I haven’t gone in a long time … I would definitely attend again, I like being surrounded by people with similar interests. I liked the theme,” said Audrey Weaver, WSU psychology major.
Matt Shaw, assistant director for competitive sports and youth programs at UREC, partnered with the WSU Women*s Center to bring this event to WSU campus.
“The Women*s Center was initially involved for a little bit … we brought them on because of the Wonder Woman theme, and the theme of women empowerment. It seemed to fit,” Shaw said.
The event had contestants of all ages. Many participants dressed in Wonder Woman-themed gear, ready to embark on their race to the finish line.
“I’m just really excited for everyone to come out,” said Molly Sutter, WSU graduate student. “It was really affordable especially for students.”
The theme of the race attracted people who do not normally partake in 5k runs, such as Matthew Long, WSU alumnus, who said he decided to attend because of his love for the superhero theme.
“I attended because I love superheroes, and because of my friend’s 5k affinity,” he said.
Kylie Kinder, employee of the Wonder Woman College Run series, travels to different college campuses to put on the event. She attended the WSU event and said her favorite part of working with this event is conceptualizing the event and seeing it all come together.
“I had no idea how it would turn out,” Kinder said. “it is so awesome.”
Runners and attendees cheered each other on as they crossed the finish line as the community came together to support one another. Every participant received a gold Wonder Woman medal when they finished the race.