Aug. 29, 2009

Matt Hatcher and Katie Sutton claimed the men's and women's titles, respectively, in the inaugural Billiken 5K hosted by the Saint Louis University department of athletics in conjunction with the SLU Cancer Center. Hatcher won the men's title in a time of 17:41, while Sutton was the first female across the line in a time of 18:51. A total of 323 runners and walkers completed the 3.1 mile race which was sponsored by Big River Running and Fuze Beverage.

The goal of the race is to raise cancer awareness, and all net proceeds from the Billiken 5K benefit the Saint Louis University Cancer Center. The race started in front of Chaifetz Arena, looped around the beautiful Midtown campus of Saint Louis University before returning to the arena. Awards were distributed to the top overall male and female finishers, as well as the top three in each of the following age divisions (male and female): 10 and under, 11-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49,50-54, 55-59 and 60+. Full race results can be found later this afternoon at www.billiken5K.com.

In addition, all race participants received complimentary admission into the final day of the Billiken Volleyball Active Ankle Challenge inside Chaifetz Arena. The round-robin format will pit No. 20 Saint Louis University against Miami (Ohio) at 11 a.m. and two-time defending National Champion Penn State on Saturday at 7 p.m.