The fourth annual Hudson Wade 5K has been rescheduled for the spring semester.

Originally scheduled to take place on Dec. 8, 2018, the 5K was canceled due to a winter storm and icy roads.

Kyle Karnei and the Wade family
Photo by Isiah Tripp

The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), decided to cancel the run for the safety of the runners and push the event to the spring.

Josh Fink, president of SAAC, said the main priority of the first meeting this semester is finalizing details in preparation for the 5K.

The 5K’s route will start at the Hardin Administration Building. Participants will take a lap and a half around the Lunsford, finishing at the Hunter Welcome Center.

In its three years, the HW5K has raised more than $15,000 for cancer research.

Kyle Karnei, former SAAC president and ACU alumnus, said he is happy he was able to create this event in honor of Hudson and to see it continue to succeed after his graduation.

“We started it when Hudson was still alive and as a way to rally around him and show our support for him,” Karnei said. “But since he’s passed, it’s been a way for us to tell his story and to honor the life that he lived… he inspired so many people through a terrible disease.”

Fink said the 5K is a great opportunity to give back to cancer research.

“I’ve been able to talk with Hudson’s family and Kyle Karnei has told me a lot about his experience,” Fink said. “It’s been an honor to be in charge of it and help put it on and the impact it has to tell Hudson’s story.”

Lance Fleming, associate director of athletics for media relations, said he is honored that the money raised from the 5K is going to a good cause.

“We are honored anytime our foundation is on the receiving end of donations that will help the P4X Foundation make an impact on our community,” Fleming said. “We’ve seen so much good come from gifts we’ve been entrusted with and we’re always humbled to be able to help families and children who need help while fighting cancer.”

The participation cost is $20 with proceeds going to the P4X foundation for cancer research.