Over 160 UD Students And Members Of The Dayton Community Participated In The Distance 4 Dreams Minnie Marathon 5k At Artstreet At 10 A.m. On Saturday.

The Marathon Was Held To Raise Awareness Of The Distance 4 Dreams Organization And To Raise Funds For A Special Wish Foundation.

Classic Disney Tunes Played Throughout This Artstreet Event, To Give The Race What Senior Kaitlin Wasik Called A "disney-twist." This Year, Distance 4 Dreams Is Sponsoring Adam Hall, A 3-year-old Who Was Diagnosed With Leukemia. Before The Race, Adam And His Family Introduced Themselves To The Crowd And Expressed Their Gratitude.

"we Feel Very Blessed And Appreciative Of The Whole Trip, The Community Coming Together And Doing This For Us," Matthew Hall, Adam's Father, Said. "we're On Cloud Nine."

Adam And His Family Will Be Provided With An All-inclusive Week-disney World, Sea World And Universal Studios, According To Wasik, Who Serves As The D4d Fundraising Chair.

"i Think It Was Awesome That We Got To Meet The Family Before The Race," Junior Jackie Cooney Said. "it Focused On Why We're Really Doing It."

This School Year Marks D4d's Second Official Year On Campus, According To Wasik. Their Motto Is "the Most Fun You Can Run On Campus," And They Combine Running With Service. It's Made Up Of 50 Students And Is Under The Leadership Of Seniors Pat Tassone, Stephanie Ricker And Faculty Adviser Brad Balser.

The 5k Is Their First Big Fundraiser Of The Year. Junior Michelle Stawicki, The Training Chair On D4d's Executive Board, Explained That This Marathon Is A Step Closer To Reaching The Organization's Goal Of Raising $8,000.

"it's Good For Charity, Good For Kids; It's Just Good To Help Out," Race-winner Billy Przybla Said, Dressed As Batman.

Art Street Cafe, The Chill, The Galley, UD Dining Services, Vitamin Water, Dayair And The Bagel Caf? Provided Free Food And Drinks. An Awards Ceremony And Raffle Prizes Followed.

The Majority Of D4d's Members Are Also Training To Run In The Goofy Challenge, A Half Or Full Marathon, In Disney World In January 2009.

"the Best Part Is That The D4d Runners And The Family Are In Florida Supporting One Another At The Same Time," Stawicki Said.

D4d Will Be Hosting Other Fundraising Events Throughout The Semester, Including A Mickey Mouse Pancake Breakfast The Sunday Of Parents' Weekend And A Disney Karaoke Pub Night In November.

"we Try To Integrate Marianist Values By Incorporating Student Lives And The Dreams Of A Child With A Life Threatening Disorder," Wasik Said. "our Goal Is To Raise Awareness That Every Individual Can Be Empowered To Change Lives One Mile At A Time."



a Word From The Winner... Batman

Flyer News: How Did You Find Out About The 5k On Saturday?

Billy Przybyla: I Heard About The Race Through A Friend And I Heard About The Cause And Helping Out A 3-year-old With Leukemia And I Couldn't Resist Attending Such A Great Event For A Great Cause.

Fn: Why Did You Decide To Wear This Costume?

Bp: I Decided That I Would Dress Up As Batman, Due To My Roommates Of 418 Lowes Having A Batman Mask And I Just Had To Wear Black Clothes. I Decided To Wear The Outfit Mainly For Laughs And Just To Phase Away From All The Serious Aspects Of Life And Goof Around A Bit...not That I Don't Do That Enough Already.

Fn: How Did It Feel To Win By A Landslide?

Bp: This Wasn't About Competing Or Racing Against Others Today. This Was A Day Dedicated To Adam And I Was Just Looking To Go Out And Have Fun And Help Out In Any Way Possible.

Fn: What Do You Think This Race Means To Adam And His Family?

Bp: I Can't Speak For Them, But I Hope That This Will Be A Lasting Memory For Adam And His Family Throughout All Of Their Lives And I Am Just Happy That I Could Do My Part To Help Out.

Fn:what Was Your Favorite Aspect Of This Event?

Bp: My Favorite Aspect Was Actually Seeing Adam Up On The Stage Before The Race And Then Later Meeting Adam And His Family To Take Pictures, As Well As Seeing A Large Turnout Of University Of Dayton Coming Out For Such A Great Cause.

Fn: Are You A Member Of Distance 4 Dreams Or Are You Considering Becoming One?

Bp: I Am Not A Member Of D4d, However If I Had More Time Left Here I Would Definitely Want To Help Out And Will Continue Attending Events On Campus To Help Out The Organizations To Better Others.

Fn:as The Winner Of This 5k, What Do You Want UD To Know About The Significance Of This Event And Why They Should Get Involved In This Organization?

Bp: I Try To Put Myself In The Shoes Of Adam's Family, Think Of The Type Of Struggle Of Having Your 3-year-old Son Or Daughter, Brother Or Sister Being Diagnosed With Leukemia. After That You Know That Your Friends, Family, And Community Will Be There For You. So Why Wouldn't You Want It To Be The Same From The Outside Looking In.