Student Runners Raise Funds for Katrina Victims

Chicago GSB student runners who completed the Chicago Marathon raised $1,500 for children victimized by Hurricane Katrina in a challenge match against students from University of Michigan Ross School of Business.

In the October 9 race, Chicago runners bested the Ross team. GSB students who tallied the five fastest cumulative running times were Ben Seigle (2:40); Ed Littman (3:19:02); Pete LaBore (3:26:09); Nimesh Patel (3:27:21); and Vincent Daelemans (3:35:38).

Ross students, however, raised more money. One minute was subtracted from their cumulative score for every $10 raised, and Michigan students won the challenge, earning them the right to choose a charity to receive the $7,000 total raised by the two schools. They selected Project Night, an organization focused on relieving the trauma experienced by children displaced by Katrina.

Many GSB students who participated in the Chicago Marathon are members of the GSB Running Club. LaBore, the founder, said Ross students contacted Chicago GSB to issue the challenge.

LaBore said, “Running in the Chicago Marathon itself was a very rewarding experience, but the charity-challenge issued by Ross provided even more motivation to our GSB runners.” Participants were also glad to raise funds for Katrina victims, he said.

—Patty Houlihan