Cousins Jillian Prevost and Catherine Chuba formed the club Strike 3 ALS last December after Chuba's mother was diagnosed with ALS, more commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

Yesterday, roughly 130 students and community members raised about $6,000 through the group's 5K run, which benefited the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Association (ALSA).

"We wanted to raise awareness about the disease because not many people know about it, and there's only one cure," Prevost (sophomore-Spanish education) said.

The event began outside of the Intramural building at 11 a.m. Runners could pay a $15 fee to pre-register or a $20 fee to register on the day of the event. Participants also had the opportunity to fill a pledge-book to raise more money.

"One thing I learned from this is that people really care," Prevost said. "I had strangers handing me $500 checks."

Jackie Cathcart (sophomore-agricultural business management), whose grandfather and great-grandmother died of ALS, said she was happy to be participating despite the rain. "When Jillian approached me with the idea, I said I definitely wanted to be a part of it because ALS has been such a large part of my life," Cathcart said.

Chuba said (junior-mathematics education) Prevost contacted fraternities and sororities to find participants because it would be a good opportunity for members to fulfill their necessary service hours.

A number of cadets from the Airforce ROTC also participated. Kurtis Paul (senior- international politics), who was one of the first runners to cross the finish line, said he enjoyed the event. "I hope next year the weather is a little better," Paul said.