Photo Story: Mizzou RAMS hosts 5K for multiple sclerosis awareness

Matthew Jacobi

In 2023, the organization raised over $200,000, which was donated to the Multiple Sclerosis Institute

The annual Runnin’ Against Multiple Sclerosis 5K continued despite the 20 degree weather and traces of snow.

A group of students wearing RAMS 5K shirts and their participant numbers start to run as the 5K begins. The woman in the center of the photo appears to be cold from the wind. A group of runners start racing as the whistle blows during the annual Runnin’ Against Multiple Sclerosis 5K hosted by Mizzou RAMS on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024 in front of the Student Center in Columbia, Mo. The route started at the Student Center, passed by the University Hospital, turned onto College Avenue, looped around the Quad, passed by Ellis Library and ended at the finish line in front of the Student Center.

A blown-up arch at the start and finish line of the 5K. The logo of Mizzou RAMS is shown, along with a graphic with “Passion, Excellence and Community” written on the side. Mizzou RAMS is the largest student-run philanthropic organization at MU, and its purpose is to raise money for the Multiple Sclerosis Institute. In 2023, Mizzou RAMS raised over $200,000, which was all donated to the MS Institute.

Two women sign their names onto a piece of fabric reading “RAMS 5K Runnin’ For a Reason.” Other signatures can be seen from other students on the fabric. Two students sign their names on the RAMS 5K “Runnin’ for a Reason” banner. Participants could sign their name leading up to the start of the race and after the banner was hung.

Two males in the foreground running toward the finish line, one in a Mizzou hoodie, and one in a RAMS 5K shirt. There are several runners in the background racing toward the finish. Two students cross the finish line after running the 5K. Mizzou RAMS had over 1,100 signups for the 5K. Wyatt Carlson placed first in the male category with a time of 19:44.72, and Rachel Finan placed first in the female category with a time of 20:58.58.

A woman in a yellow tiger onesie with a tail and her participant number attached to her stomach runs in front of the Student Center. The 5K raised money for the Multiple Sclerosis Institute, and donations are still being accepted. The money is used to help fund projects like installing grab bars, as well as purchasing wheelchairs,cooling vests and ramps for people living with multiple sclerosis.

The “RAMS 5K Runnin’ for a Reason” sign hanging from the Student Center outdoor columns. Signatures are visible all over the sign in all different colors and directions. The “Runnin’ for a Reason” banner hangs in front of the Student Center. There were multiple booths for participants to pick up free drinks, including Liquid I.V., Celsius and products from Supplement Superstores.

Copy Edited by Audrey Dae Bush and Briana Iordan | biordan@themaneater.com