On your mark, get set, geaux! Last Wednesday, Warhawks lined up to run in the 38th annual University Mile.

Athletes, students, faculty and community members of all ages ran or walked in celebration of ULM’s homecoming week. From the littlest toddlers to the elders, the whole town got involved. There were even mothers pushing infants in strollers as they jogged.

The University Mile is a one-mile run through campus hosted every fall by Recreational Services. The race encourages the community to stay fit and promotes a healthy lifestyle. All participants received a yellow university mile long-sleeved shirt, and despite the heat, many ran the race wearing it.

For some Warhawks, running the mile has become an annual tradition. “Running a mile every year has become a thing I do,” junior computer science ma-jor Sijan Malla said. “The race reminds me to stay fit and keep on trying to run often.”

Supporters lined the streets to cheer on their friends and family as they ran. Runners took off at the Hemphill Hall parking lot, ran across the bridge over the bayou and crossed the finish line in front of the Activity Center on the other end of campus.

Cheers could be heard from the finish line as many friends and family gathered to congratulate the runners. “I came to watch the mile to support my friend who participated,” senior computer science major Pratik Maharjan said. Maharjan expressed that it was fun to see some healthy competition among participants.

After the race concluded, winners were announced and presented medals. Ace the Warhawk hung out with fans, gave high fives and took photos with kids.

The University Mile is a great opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate the university as a college town. A little healthy competition is a fun way to keep people active over the fall.

During the mile, a health fair took place in front of the Activity Center. This event was hosted by the American Pharmacists Association and the Student National Pharmaceutical Association.

The health fair was put on to educate the community about the importance of heart health, diabetes and other health information. Pharmacy students were able to work on their communication and counseling skills to spread awareness about health conditions.

Tables were set up at the finish line of the mile where blood glucose screenings were offered to anyone who was interested.

Graduate pharmacy student Kylie Michot said, “I believe students are more likely to learn information from their peers than they would be if it was someone older, so this increases awareness.”

Kylie explained the importance of future pharmacists gaining hands-on experience. By holding events where they can practice their skills, the University is able to produce better pharmacists.Even Ace came and got his blood pressure taken to make sure his health was in tip-top shape.

Events like these give not only ULM students but the whole Monroe community a chance to come together for something that bene-fits their health. It also brings a sense of accomplishment to the participants in honor of homecoming week at our beautiful university.