News Archive

2008 CDI Back In Shape Run Date Set for June 7

Mark your calendars for June 7, 2008, for the fourth annual CDI Back In Shape Run and Walk. This is a new weekend for this event.

June 2007

'Back In Shape Run' Winner Sets Course Record

Matt Chesang, of Kansas, was the top finisher in Northwestern Health Sciences University’s Back in Shape Run on June 23, shattering the course record and finishing with one of the top road-race times in the state of Minnesota. Finishing in 14:04, Chesang won $1,250 — part of the largest prize purse in the state of Minnesota. The top-finishing female was Bethany Brewster of Wisconsin, who finished in an impressive 17:21. Brewster won $1,500 — $1,000 for being the top female finisher and $500 for being the top American female finisher.

Blistering speed was necessary to winning the race. In fact, the first five runners crossed the finish line in under 14:35, times that would have made them winners last year and were among the fastest 5K finishes in the state this year.

“This was a very fast pace,” said Chesang, who shattered the course record by more than 40 seconds. “I’ve run 14:00, but not in a road race. This was one of my fastest times.”

“I knew when I saw the competition that it would be a fast race,” added Antonio Vega, of Minneapolis, who finished fifth.

A total of 285 people participated in the Back in Shape Run, a 31 percent increase over last year. Eighty-five participated in the 5K walk and 65 children took part in the kids’ 1/4-mile and 1/2-mile races. Additionally, three mascots competed in a special mascot race; Northwestern’s mascot, Vinnie the Vertebrate, was the winner.

The event featured a difficult course that attracted runners from around the world. Chesang traveled from Kansas to compete in the event. Others came from Colorado, Michigan, Iowa, Wisconsin, Arizona and Florida. Additionally, participants had the opportunity to raise pledges for Volunteers Enlisted to Assist People, which provides a range of basic services that fulfill an immediate need in people’s lives and position them for long-term success.

Among the perks offered to participants were an outlandish post-race buffet, free massages, access to indoor bathrooms, free use of the University’s heated pool, and a variety of prizes, including airline tickets, theater tickets, and gift certificates. Additionally, the race offered the state’s largest prize purse for a 5K — $6,550. The purse included a $1,000 cash prize for the top male and top female finishers; a $500 cash prize for the top finishing male and female Americans; a $500 cash prize for the race’s second-place male and female runners; a $300 cash prize for the race’s third-place male and female runners; a $200 cash prize for the race’s fourth-place male and female runners; a $100 cash prize for the race’s fifth-place male and female runner; $25 Visa gift cards for the first-place male and female finishers in each of 15 age categories; and $10 Visa gift cards to the second- and third-place male and female finishers in each of 15 age categories. Additionally, all 22 first-time runners received a medal. Setting a course record was worth a $250 bonus.

Elite Registrations Coming In

Registered elite runners as of June 13, 2007, are: Burt Carlson; Judy Cronen; Amy Lyons; Lloyd Young; Terry Hakkola; Elizabeth French; Joey Keillor; Norm Purrington; Melissa Gacek; Kristi Larson; Marcy Cahow; Greg Prom; Lee Stauffacher; Mathew Chesang; and Jeremy Essler.

May 2007

Every Food Item Donated Gets A Chance At $500 in Airfare

As an extra bonus to the CDI Back In Shape Run and Walk, participants will have the chance to win $500 in airfare sponsored by Crabtree Law Firm.

For each single item that is donated on race day, you will receive one ticket entered into the drawing. If you bring in 40 items, you get 40 tickets. All of the food donations will be collected by VEAP and used to help stock their shelves in the summer.

Items of need include soap, washing detergent, shampoo, conditioner, food, toiletries, feminine hygene products, facial tissues, and more. For more details visit VEAP online.

A special thank you to Crabtree Law Firm for making this happen.

April 2007

‘Back In Shape Run’ Offers One of the Largest Prize Purses for a 5K Race in Minnesota

Northwestern Health Sciences University has announced it will be offering one of the largest prize purses in the state for a 5K run.

The University’s annual Center for Diagnostic Imaging Back in Shape Run, slated for June 23, has a prize purse of $6,550 this year, the largest purse for a 5K that weekend and is believed to be the largest purse in the state this year. The purse includes a $1,000 cash prize for the top male and top female finishers; a $500 cash prize for the top finishing male and female Americans; a $500 cash prize for the race’s second-place male and female runners; a $300 cash prize for the race’s third-place male and female runners; a $200 cash prize for the race’s fourth-place male and female runners; a $100 cash prize for the race’s fifth-place male and female runner; $25 Visa gift cards for the first-place male and female finishers in each of 15 age categories; and $10 Visa gift cards to the second- and third-place male and female finishers in each of 15 age categories. Additionally, all first-time runners will receive a medal.

In addition to increasing the purse this year, several new age categories have been added. Replacing the 19 and under category this year are a 10-14 category and a 15-19 category. Replacing the 70 and older category are a 70-74 category, a 75-80 category, and an 80 and older category.

March 2007

Northwestern Partners with VEAP

Every year, Northwestern Health Sciences University partners with local organizations to provide an opportunity for fundraising through the Center for Diagnostic Imaging Back In Shape Run/Walk. This year our partner organization is VEAP.

VEAP has long recognized that there are people in Bloomington, Richfield, Edina and South Minneapolis that are low-income and in need of some help to prevent them from a financial crisis.  Based on the idea of neighbors helping neighbors, VEAP provides this critical help to our neighbors in need.  VEAP has served this community for over 30 years.

For more information on VEAP and how to collect pledges, click here.