By Branson Hardcastle | Broadcast Reporter
Baylor’s Diadeloso is a long-standing tradition that dates back to 1932. It consists of many different activities, but one that stands out above the rest is the Baylor Fun Run.
In its sixth year, the Baylor Fun Run encouraged students to start Diadeloso on an active note with a two-mile run. The run was filled with different obstacles and fun activities such as paint, foam, silly string and streamers.
North Richland Hills senior Raphael Raganit, a member of Chamber of Commerce, said he believes the Fun Run is a great way to start Diadeloso.
“It is a good way to set the tone for Dia,” Ragnit said. “What’s better than getting up with your friends and going out for a run, being athletic, being healthy and having fun? It gets you up in the morning, puts you in a good mood and lets you see campus because the race starts at McLane and ends on campus.”
The race began at the Robert Griffin III statue outside of McLane Stadium and took the participants across the Sheila and Walter Umphrey Bridge, down University Parks Drive, around the Visitor’s Center, across third street and to a foamy finish next to Marrs McLean Science building.
After finishing the race, students were covered in different color paint, foam and glitter. Everyone who crossed the finish line had a big smile on their face as they were greeted with loud cheers from Chamber members and other students who had finished the race.
Baylor president Dr. Linda Livingstone and First Gentleman Brad Livingstone made an appearance at the Fun Run and ran the race with students.
White Oak sophomore Lauren Ummel said it was great seeing Linda Livingstone running with the Baylor students. Former Baylor president Judge Ken Starr was known for running the Line with freshmen at football games, but Ummel noted that the Livingstones’ appearance today showed their willingness to go the extra mile.
“I have never seen a president be involved with the student body other than running the line,” Ummel said. “Seeing them take the time to run the fun run, come to Dia or just walk the dog on campus, it really holds the core of Baylor together. It is great to see good leadership and it makes the campus a better place. They aren’t known as the Livingstones or Dr. Livingstone, they are Linda and Brad. They are our buds, our pals.”
Kansas City, Kan., freshman Wesley Beyers also enjoyed running alongside the president and first gentleman.
“Seeing all the color and seeing the community come together for Dia was really cool,” Beyers said. “Brad and Linda were definitely the best part. Seeing them run was really cool. Seeing their school spirit and their involvement in school activities was great.”
Since the race ended on campus next to Fountain Mall, Chamber hoped that it would encourage students to get involved in the other activities on Fountain Mall and other areas of campus.
“Once you finish the race, all the activities are ready for you to have fun with. I think it is a perfect segway into other activities on campus and into Dia as a whole,” Raganit said.
