November 2007

Vinnie The Vertebrate On The Move

After completing his first race as part of the Mascot Race at the CDI Back In Shape Run/Walk on June 23, 2007, Vinnie the Vertebrate has been traveling quite a bit. Taking trips with alumni from Northwestern College of Chiropractic to Bemidji, Robbinsdale, and across the Twin Cities have filled up the summer months. In addition, Vinnie greeted the families back to school at the Washburn Elementary Family Picnic.

The University is now preparing to send Vinnie to Colorado and Iowa in the next few months. In addition the Citywide Halloween Party is definitely on the calendar. Vinnie is also looking forward to going into classrooms, meeting kids, and encouraging kids of all ages to have great posture and to be proud of who they are. For more information on Vinnie's Five Rules for Healthy Posture, click here. For information on being hired as a mascot performer, click here.

July 2007

 

'Back In Shape Run' Winner Sets A 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.

For the complete race results, visit http://www.nwhealth.edu/backinshape/index.html.

June 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.

 

April 2007

Flurry of Activity at Northwestern Health Sciences University

After a month of three very successful events (Dive-in Movie, Chinese New Year Celebration, and Bloomington Loves Its Kids Carnival), you would think Northwestern Health Sciences University would be taking a break. On the contrary, we are busy planning the Center for DIagnostic Imaging Back In Shape 5K Run/Walk and the Spring Egg Festival and Hunt. These two events are great ways to get families outside and having fun together.

In addition to these events, we are looking for opportunities to bring Vinnie the Vertebrate to your area to meet you and say hello. If you are a teacher, parent, administrator, or resident, or if you have a town parade, festival, etc, let me know. We would love to be a part of your event. Contact Ryan Chapman, community relations coordinator, at rchapman@nwhealth.edu.

February 2007

Northwestern Nominated for Volunteer Award

Northwestern Health Sciences University has been selected to receive a Bloomington Loves Its Kids Volunteer Recognition Award at a ceremony on Feb. 2. The award is given for outstanding service and leadership in the Bloomington community. Northwestern was nominated by Randi Wallenberg, recreation supervisor for the city of Bloomington and Bloomington Loves Its Kids coordinator.

“We strive to be a good neighbor to the residents of Bloomington and it is an honor to be recognized for our efforts,” says Ryan Chapman, community relations coordinator at Northwestern.

Simon will attend the ceremony and accept the award for Northwestern. It will take place at the Bloomington Civic Plaza Council Chambers at 6 p.m. The ceremony will include entertainment provided by the Jefferson High School Jazz Quartet followed by the award ceremony. Recipients will be asked to come on stage to receive their award from the mayor and the school board chair. Members of the school board and city council will also be in attendance to congratulate recipients. A reception will follow the ceremony in the rehearsal hall.