Nearly 400 participants ran, jogged or walked in the 12th annual Campus on the Run event Saturday morning. The breezy, overcast conditions were hardly ideal, but they proved a welcome respite for runners who faced snow the previous year.

The 5-kilometer race promotes fitness and encourages WSU students, faculty and the surrounding community to stay active and moving. In addition, the event also seeks to uphold a philanthropic spirit.

“Part of the entry fee for the race goes to a local charity,” said Dave Pearson, assistant director of Intramurals for University Recreation. “This year's proceeds will go to benefit a children’s learning program at the Montessori School of Pullman. We donated nearly $1,000 this year.” The race starts and finishes on North Fairway Drive in front of the Rec Center, covering a 3.1-mile loop around campus.

The first to cross the finish line was Annan Bowlby, a WSU music major, with a time of 18 minutes and 50 seconds.

“The competitive part of it is satisfying,” said Bowlby, who has participated in the race for five years. “It’s a good event to kick off the running season.” Karin Rohde was the first female to finish the race, finishing in 19:22.

Participants included mostly WSU students and faculty members, but saw a fair share of runners from the Pullman community.

Pullman residents Jeremy and Reayna Sage ran for the third time this year, and said they always look forward to it.

“It’s a good way to get in shape and be active,” Jeremy said.

Members who registered early paid $14 to participate in the race and received a Campus on the Run T-shirt. In addition, runners also received a granola bar after the race for their efforts.

UREC offers beginning and intermediate training programs to help prepare participants for the race. The programs are divided into 12 divisions, which are separated by age and gender.

Campus on the Run also boasts a sense of community as runners and walkers of all ages were cheered when they crossed the finish line. Some carted their young ones the length of the course.

The race's popularity has steadily increased over the past 12 years. The combination of a competition, fitness, community and charity has attracted about 400 participants during the last four years.