As many people indulged themselves in slices of apple, berry and chocolate pie, students, faculty and McMinnville community members were invited to celebrate Pi Day by participating in Linfield’s First Annual Pi Day Fun Run/Walk on March 14.

The event began at 3:30 p.m. in front of Walker Hall and was organized by the Student Health, Wellness and Counseling Center, the Linfield Math Club and Pi Mu Epsilon Honor Society.

“We wanted to give the Linfield Community a fun way to celebrate spring, while promoting movement in a fun and social way [and] recognizing the benefits of exercise for both mental and physical health,” said Pattie Haddeland, the director of Student Health, Wellness and Counseling, in an email.

The run/walk was meant to be low-key and non-competitive, encouraging everyone to participate. A total of 47 participants turned out for the event.

The celebration began with a 3.14 mile course. The runners and walkers began the race in front of Walker Hall and continued their loop to the Wellness Trail and finally back to the start line.

College Public Safety ensured that participants safely crossed the street and helped mark the course.

Many participants impressively crossed the finish line in just less than 20 minutes.

A few of the top finishers for the men were seniors Cody Escott and Harper Taylor. For the women participants, sophomores Erin Crofcheck and Carrie Skuzeski finished in the top.

Following the event, participants were invited to attend an open house showcasing the recently integrated Student Health, Wellness and Counseling Center in Walker Hall.

The community was welcomed into the new office and introduced to its staff members. The new department encourages healthy behaviors and promotes well-being to students.

The Math Club and Pi Mu Epsilon members supplied creativity, artwork and volunteers for the event.

“We had a good number of participants, and it was very well received by the Linfield community,” said Allison Brosius, a student Health and Wellness intern. “We hope to make this an annual event and incorporate more groups on campus in the coming years.”

Sarah Mason/For the Review

Sarah Mason can be reached at [email protected].