Eta Nu Nu has Diabetes on the Run

Diabetes is just one of the diseases that the men of Eta Nu Nu have committed themselves to addressing. Yesterday’s Walk with Me Sugar 5k run/walk was a resounding success and a lot of fun. Nearly 400 people showed up for a morning of exercise and fellowship. DJ Reese kept the atmosphere loose and upbeat meanwhile the diverse crowd was treated to a show-stopping performance by members of the Linden McKinley High School Marching Band. Buckeye Brutus was also on hand to soak in the festivities as was City Attorney Zach Klein. Participants had the option to run or walk the 5k course or the 1k route. It seemed that many chose the former. 

Genoa Park is a popular destination for those looking to get their steps in. People can be found jogging the trails all hours of the day, but especially in the early morning hours before the temperature rises. While the area appears to be a fan favorite there are parts of the course that some may find challenging especially those spots that finds one running or walking uphill. For those who are mainly accustomed to walking within the rather flat confines of their relatively small neighborhood the 5k course may present somewhat of a challenge. As runners, joggers and walkers crossed the finish line the men of Eta Nu Nu were there to cheer, congratulate and hand out a handsome medal that many draped around their necks and posed for photos.

Yesterday’s noble cause raised $60,000 all of which was donated to the Columbus Free Clinic. Not only were the organizers of the event beaming with pride as the morning unfolded but early reports suggested the event was well-received by those who participated. In other words, it appears that it was a good time had by all. 

After finishing the race Latanya Thornton, a small woman in stature with a towering personality spoke to the writer about her experience. Thornton shared that she is a seasoned runner but found portions of the 5k route more strenuous than others. Thornton enjoyed the event and is likely to return next year. 

E’than Birden Jr. was among the first group of runners to complete the 5k course and did so in a blistering twenty minutes and fifty seconds. When asked if the route presented him with any challenges he replied nonchalantly, “not really, the route was pretty smooth.” A wrestler at OSU, clearly young Birden is in tip-top shape. 

Then there was the beautiful Tiyi M. Morris, a longtime OSU professor who was new to this annual event, but came away impressed, citing how well-organized the event was and how she appreciated the abundance of healthy snacks and drinks.

The men of Eta Nu Nu could not have asked for better weather as the morning was bright and sunny without a drop of rain in sight. These pleasant conditions made for an extraordinary day and fabulous event. Everything appeared to go according to plan. Drivers of golf carts were on hand to transport people to and from. Stations were manned throughout the morning as instructions and directions were provided as well as much needed bottles of water and other beverages by those who were charged with those responsibilities. The morning ended with a bang as several men of Eta Nu Nu clapped and yelled words of encouragement as the last participant slowly made her way across the finish line. The event could not have ended on a more inspirational note.

Judson L. Jeffries is Professor of African American and African Studies at the Ohio State University.