Ivy Tech Community College-Columbus will hold its annual Couch Tater 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, April 25, with all proceeds to be used for Ivy Tech scholarships and academic programs.  Everyone is invited; individuals and families can participate in a run, a walk, or a stroll with toddlers in tow.  Children of all ages are welcome.  Snacks and drinks will be provided.

Individuals may register for the event by accessing the Ivy Tech website at www.ivytech.edu/columbus  and either downloading the registration form or registering online.  Registration forms are also available at the campus.  The entry fees are:  $10 (with no t-shirt), $20 (includes a t-shirt), and $21 (includes a t-shirt and qualifies for Largest Individual Donation Contest).  Registration is due by April 20. 

Early check-in is from noon until 5:00 pm on Friday, April 24, at Ivy Tech.  Race Day check-in is at 8:00 am in Ivy Tech’s parking lot.  The 5K Run, with age division medals, will begin at 9:00 am.  The course is certified by USA Track & Field and recognized by the Road Runners Club of America.  First- and second-place plaques for men and women will be awarded.  The 5K Walk, a non-competitive family fitness walk for those who prefer a leisurely pace, will begin at 9:10 am.

Both individual and group participation is encouraged.  Participants are encouraged to collect sponsorships from friends and neighbors for their run or walk.  Funds collected can be designated for scholarships or academic programs.  The top three donations will win prizes.

Over the past four years, over 400 people have participated.  Of this number, greater than fifty percent were individuals who were not Ivy Tech students, faculty, or staff, according to Danielle Pitzer-Brandon, Ivy Tech Executive Director for Resource Development and coordinator of the event.

The number of sponsors for this event has increased dramatically over the past four years.  Sponsors now include AVI Food Systems Inc., Columbus Regional Hospital, Edward Jones, Irwin Union Bank, KORN Country 100.3, Tre Bicchieri, Scott Taskey—Century 21 Breeden Realtors, Bertie Jean’s Foods, QMIX 107.3, Flowers by Lois, Kroger, Subway, Walmart Distribution Center, Best Buy Co. Inc., Cookies, Baskets & More, Hilton Garden Inn/Edinburgh, SIHO Insurance Services, The Republic, and Coca-Cola Bottling Company Inc.

About Ivy Tech Community College-Columbus
Ivy Tech Community College is the state’s largest public post-secondary institution and the nation’s largest singly-accredited statewide community college system with more than 120,000 students enrolled annually.  Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana.  It serves as the state’s engine of workforce development, offering affordable degree programs and training that are aligned with the needs of its community along with courses and programs that transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana.  It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association.