Veteran runners as well as first-time 5k participants lined up in front of the Memorial Union crosswalk at 9 a.m. Nov. 7 for the fourth annual Stache Dash 5k in support of prostate cancer awareness.

The event was hosted by the Student Unions Programming Board, which plans and carries out events in the Student Center and Memorial Union.

“Prostate cancer is not as well known as other illnesses,” Student Enrichment Director Tanner Owens said. “We wanted an event to raise awareness for prostate cancer and men’s related illnesses in general.”

The Stache Dash was free for participants, which included 66 MU students and community members of all ages.

“It was a really good turnout,” second place finisher and third year graduate student Brian Jochems said. “I know a lot of people that wouldn’t usually run on a Saturday morning got the chance to come out and get a 5k in because the opportunity presented itself.”

A member of the Mizzou Triathlon Club, Jochems is an avid runner, but for “some people, it was their first time, so it was fun to see people try out a 5k for the first time,” Jochems said. “It was also nice to get out and get a race in in a non-stress situation and to enjoy some nice weather and some nice company.”

Each runner was given the opportunity to select one of 12 different mustaches to wear during the race including ones entitled “The Intellect,” “The Bandit” and “The Gambler.”

“I sweated my mustache off, but other than that, I loved wearing it,” participant and junior Madelyn Sobey said. “Everybody needs to wear a mustache more often.”

With mustaches on, participants began the race at Memorial Union, turned right onto Rollins Street and ran down Virginia Avenue. The course looped around the University Hospital, up Tiger Avenue, left onto Rollins Street, up Sixth Street and down Hitt Street to cross the finish line in front of the Student Recreation Complex.

Signs with facts about prostate cancer were placed throughout the course.

The Student Unions Programming Board provided blue long-sleeve shirts for all participants with the phrase “Keep Calm and Stache On” written across the back, and awarded first through third place finishers MU gear including jackets, water bottles and throw blankets.
The event concluded with fruit, granola bars, bagels and orange juice for all participants.

“I think it’s really cool that the event raises awareness for prostate cancer,” said Evan Culbert, first place finisher and first year graduate student. “I hope they keep holding the event. I’ll definitely run again next year.”

Culbert won the race after completing the 3.1-mile course in 14 minutes and 58 seconds.

“It’s awesome to not only raise awareness for prostate cancer but having students run brings the campus together,” Sobey said.