One student's passion for running will result in the first annual OU Run Day for Charity on Sunday afternoon.
Michael Godwin, University College freshman, has been running so long, he doesn't even remember when he started.
Although he began competing in high school through track and cross country programs, Godwin, who tries to run two to three miles each day, said he now approaches running from a different angle.
"It started off with competition in high school and stuff, but after that it was something that I enjoyed doing," he said. "It makes me feel good in the end. I get that runner's high."
Since he arrived at OU, Godwin has participated in the "Tye-Dye Tri at the Y" triathlon, where he placed second in his age division.
During the event, Godwin had to undertake three different competitions: a 12-mile bike race, a 500-yard swim and a 5-kilometer run. Godwin's running experience proved helpful in the event.
"My running was my strongest event because I had a slow bike, and the only way I caught up to people and made up my time in the whole event was through the run," he said.
After reading an article in "Runner's World," Godwin learned of World Run Day, an annual run that focuses on the fusion of running and charity fund-raising.
World Run Day has had more than 5,000 participants in 300 cities around the world. The official Web site likens the event to other well-known charity fund-raisers.
"The huge passion that can inspire events such as Earth Day, We are the World, Live Aid and others has now reached out to the running world," according to the Web site..
Deciding he would like to localize the worldwide event to OU and Norman, Godwin began working with the Walker Center President's Council, an organization with which he is involved.
Josh Overocker, an adviser to the council, said he was impressed with Godwin's excitement about the event.
"It's an event that Michael came in and was very interested in. He, to use a clich
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