Winona State University will host its eleventh Annual Warrior Waddle on Saturday, Oct. 6. The 5k walk/run starts at the Lake Park Lodge at 8 a.m. Participants can register at the Lake Park Lodge at 7 a.m. on race day or register online.

The Warrior Waddle is a fundraising event founded to raise money for scholarships for the Warrior track and field team.

Mason Rebarchek, Warrior track and field head coach, has seen the Warrior Waddle grow from its beginnings to where it is now. Because of the Warrior Waddle, the athletic department is able to award scholarships to several student-athletes every year.

“Money, that otherwise is a lot of hours at a job, when [student-athletes] are already spending twenty-plus hours a week at their sport,” Rebarchek said.

Tom Slaggie and Kathy Hovell, the founders and organizers of the Warrior Waddle, have seen the impact the Waddle had on the track and field team. One example Slaggie gave was that more girls have been trying out for the team.

“[The track and field team have] tight-knit relationships among themselves, and they support each other,” Slaggie said.

Not only do the athletes support each other, but the team also comes out to the course on race day to cheer on Waddle participants.

A runner himself, Slaggie encourages everyone to participate.

“Just start [running],” Slaggie said. “If you haven’t done much [running], you can walk it.”

Rebarchek also encourages student involvement in the race because it is healthy and a way to have fun with friends.

If you are unable to come out to the race, but still want to support the track and field athletes, there is an option to register as a virtual participant.