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The 2019 TBDBITL 5K by Kaity Catalfina Chi - TBΣ Ohio State University
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isters and brothers from Chi and Eta at The Ohio State University were sprinting into the school year with a new TBDBITL 5K event hosted for their community! The race was held on July 6th, and started and ended on the fifty-yard line of the band’s practice field. Participants were then lead through parts of campus and along the beautiful Olentangy Trail. The goal was to give band members a chance to increase their cardio and get in shape for tryouts, which would happen the following month. Sister Katie Reed says, “It was really nice to have a goal to work towards that jump started my training for tryouts. It definitely helped my endurance!” Many band members shared a similar opinion, and it was fun to see everyone start Design for the custom shirt and medals by Audrey Watkins to get in shape! The idea was originated by sister Abby Duncan, Vice President of Special Projects, who headed the event. She says, “Someone else brought the idea up a few years ago but I was super passionate about it from day one. I love running and I love band. Every year for tryouts I would run to work 3-4 times a week to strengthen my cardio. So I thought this was a great way to push people trying out to train for tryouts, while also giving those in the community a chance to support those trying out, and see all the work that goes into it.” A group of racers featuring sisters Natalie Kroger, Hailey MacArthur-Senediak, and Hailey Wauben.
16 - Kappa Kappa Psi & Tau Beta Sigma
Chi and Eta partnered with the Columbus Running Company, who made the vision a reality. They were so helpful in the process, and we could not have put the event on without their willingness to make everything perfect for us! Abby Duncan says, “The most challenging part was actually getting it started. I knew what I wanted in my head but actually getting my ideas out was a process. I had to find a company to help plan the event and from there everything was much easier.” Together, they were able to pull off a sold out race, in which more than 180 participants gathered to walk or run. The Columbus Running company said it was one of the smoothest and most attended first races they’d ever seen! TBDBITL is known for their iconic traditions, and the chapters really wanted the race to immerse the community in that band culture. This, participants were given the unique opportunity to be led by current Drum Major Konner Barr into Script Ohio after the race. The winner of the race was in charge of dotting the I! The alumni band at Ohio State was also able to provide a pep band for race finishers as they crossed the finish line. Racers were also given custom medals and shirts, designed by Audrey Watkins, Treasurer of Chi. In regards to the design, Audrey says “I was trying to tie something unique to the marching band to this 5k and one
