Yesterday, Elvis, Batman and the Cat in the Hat got in the spirit of the Interfraternity Council/Pan-hellenic Dance Marathon (Thon)outside of the Intramural Building to prepare for the sixth annual Thon 5k.

The Thon 5K was the first in a series of events that were leading up to Thon weekend.

Thon is scheduled to take place Feb. 16 to 18.

The fundraising event started with music provided by a disc jockey and a race for children.

After the children's race, Hank and Connie Angus, whose son was diagnosed with cancer in 2004, spoke to the crowd.

Connie Angus, a graduate of Penn State, said she knew about Thon as a student but never participated.

"I didn't get it," she said. "It wasn't until the last hour of Thon last year I got it."

At 11:30 a.m., the official race started with many of the participants in costume.

Jaime Lennen, Thon special events overall chairwoman, said spirit points were given out this year for wearing Halloween costumes.

"I'll definitely win the animal leg," said Jeremy Corbett (junior-biological evolution), who was dressed as Tigger.

In addition to the costumed runners, costumed Thon morale groups lined the course to shout encouragement.

Kyle Lewis (junior-biology and Spanish) won the race.

"It's definitely for the kids. Get those cans in," he said in reference to the cans students use to collect donation money.

It was cold during the race, but Alicia Roda (junior-English) said the runners' "hearts are warm."