The 2016 Barefoot Benefit, a 5K foot race and community festival organized by University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Haslam College of Business students, will take place on Sunday, Oct. 16, in Sequoyah Hills Park.
The event features music, food, games, and family activities. Race registration and activities begin at 12:30 p.m., while the race kicks off at 2 p.m. The event will include door prizes from local businesses such as Regal Cinemas, and all proceeds will be donated to Samaritan Place, an emergency shelter for senior citizens.
Participants are invited to take their shoes off and enjoy the lawn of Sequoyah Hills Park, according to Stephanie Yeap, a supply chain management senior and a member of the benefit’s student-run executive team.
“The Barefoot Benefit is going to be exhilarating,” Yeap said. “Although going barefoot is optional, running with bare feet on cool grass will surely be something to remember.”
Yeap said organizing the race and festival has served as an educational experience for students.
“This has been a great capstone experience for our undergraduate educations,” Yeap said. “We also have several alumni helping out. In fact, three classes are coming together as a collective to help make the event a success.”
Ernie Cadotte, professor of learning innovation, said managing the intricacies of a real-world event provides a significant educational opportunity.
“The students break ties with the normal classroom setting and instead are challenged to create a hands-on learning experience,” Cadotte said. “Their mission is to bring the community together, both in support of Samaritan Place and to enjoy a beautiful day with friends and family.”
Community members interested in registering for the race should visit http://bit.ly/2czSSXz or https://www.facebook.com/barefootbenefit/ for more information.
