Sunshine ... check. Participants ... check. Enthusiasm ... check. The first ever Race Against Racism -- a 5K race to promote diversity awareness -- went off without a hitch yesterday morning.

About 140 racers participated, said Kathleen McDermott, a coordinator for Residence Life. Most of the racers were students and about 20 were community members.

Proceeds from the race will go directly to student and diversity planning on campus, McDermott said. Registration for the race ranged between $12 and $15 a person, but an exact amount of total proceeds earned was unavailable at press time.

"We were hoping for a good turnout despite the bad weather forecasts," McDermott said.

The first nine male finishers and first nine female finishers received prizes donated by local businesses.

Jen Crawford, diversity chair for the Association of Resident Hall Students (ARHS), said she thinks the race is a great start for diversity programming and a good way to kick off the new school year.

Erika Young, a coordinator for Residence Life, said the event went well.

"I was very happy to see the number of students participating and am pleased with the efforts of Residence Life," Young said.

Racer Carly Porter (freshman-advertising and public relations) participated yesterday because she often runs 5K races and respected the cause.

"It's good to raise awareness because a lot of people don't care about diversity," Porter said.

Josh Kneal (sophomore-kinesiology) came out to support diversity awareness.

"The race is for a good cause," he said. "Racism is a big issue and it's good to see people out here supporting [the Race Against Racism]."

About 50 volunteers, many of whom were ARHS and Residence Life staff, helped out. Marce Pancio, assistant director of Residence Life, volunteered for the race.

"I was part of the planning team for this and thought I'd come out and support the race," she said. "I was kind of anxious about the weather, but it cleared up and it seems to be the perfect day for running."

Residence Life and ARHS said they hope to make the Race Against Racism an annual event.