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Beat Pete a huge success
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The final number: 322 . again. The same number of runners passed Coach Chris Petersen in Boise State’s annual Beat Pete Fun Run last year.
“That’s amazing,” Petersen said. “I’ll have to train harder next year.”
The annual event brought almost 600 participants to the campus Saturday. More than 1,000 people showed up to either run, volunteer or watch their friends try to beat Pete. Some showed up as Flash, others carried fake bodies on their shoulders.
The dream of defeating famed BSU’s head football coach is always a great incentive, but the event allows for additional funds to BSU’s student scholarships, which is definitely appreciated with today’s economy.
Last year, the event brought almost 750 runners and walkers, eventually causing Petersen to donate a whopping $2,000 to the Boise State general scholarship fund on the agreement of donating $5 for every runner who beat him to the finish line. After such success, Petersen and his team agreed to make the occasion an annual event.
Luckily Petersen’s coaching skills are much better than his math skills. Though he was only obligated to give $1,610, he rounded up big time. After a few moments, the check was revealed, paid to the order of Boise State Students for $5,000.
Petersen’s time only improved by 14 seconds, going from 25:52 last year to 25:38 this year. The actual route changed slightly as well. The start line was placed at the Student Recreation Center, went to Friendship Bridge, continued through the green belt to Ann Morrison Park, turned around, and ended back at the REC.
Participants were given free T-shirts after crossing the finish line. The first 322 were given “I Beat Pete” shirts, the remaining were given ones stating, “I’ll Beat Pete Next Year.”
The football team was also available to sign T-shirts and give autographs after the race.
Participants and spectators look forward to the race next year, and the chance to defeat the coach again.
SILVER HENRY
Arbiter Journalist
