Blue T-shirts and winter gear decorated the corner of Curtin Road and University Drive as 813 Coaches vs. Cancer participants bounced and stretched in preparation for the 5-kilometer run/walk.

"I'm not a big runner, but it's for a good cause," Brian Martin (freshman-political science) said as he fastened the number 541 to his shirt.

The annual Coaches vs. Cancer 5K run/walk is a partnership between the National Association of Basketball Coaches, the Women's Basketball Coaches Association and the American Cancer Society.

All contributions go toward cancer research and reducing the risk of cancer in youths.

Despite cold weather, this year's race attracted one of the highest numbers of students and State College residents to participate in the festivities.

Frank and Dan Dougherty, a local father and son duo, said they run in the majority of community races, but this was their first Coaches vs. Cancer competition.

"It was freezing at the start," Dan Dougherty said as he and his father finished the race in their running shorts and tank tops. "But we've warmed up."

Coaches vs. Cancer Overall Director Christine Schad said she was glad that there were so many registered participants this year, nine more than last year.

"There are a lot of people that are hardcore runners, but I think a lot of people are really happy just knowing the cause," she said. "We love the fact that they're here despite the cold."

The first runner finished the 5K in 17:06.

"I feel great," Kyle Lewis (sophomore-biology and Spanish) said after he was the first to bound across the finish line.

Lewis said he is an avid runner and had heard about the race through classes and other advertisements, and the cause was an added bonus to participating.

The entire race took about an hour and 20 minutes for all of the participants to complete.

"You spend half of the year getting ready for a one-hour race," Coaches vs. Cancer Financial Director Jessica Harris said. "It's a really great feeling and kind of a relief."

Jill DeBerardinis, Coaches vs. Cancer assistant director, said she had cried earlier in the day over the race's emotional ties.

The race attracted numerous individuals and groups from the surrounding community.

Heather Hall, who was on the SRI International Team, said her group of 13 was participating in its first Coaches vs. Cancer race for a colleague who had recently contracted a rare form of cancer.

"We're here for the cause mostly," she said. "Not for the race."

Cory Hanson (junior-psychology) said she was there for the cause as well.

"I ran mostly for the cause, especially since [the Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon] just happened," she said as she waited for a fellow runner to finish the race. "It's really well organized, and I don't think anyone minded [the cold weather]."

Hanson said this was her first time running for the Coaches vs. Cancer cause, but she intends to register again next year.

The race collected more than $10,000 for the American Cancer Society.