They came. They ran. They conquered. That was the scene when students set their alarm clocks extra early on the first day of school-not for classes, but to lace up their sneakers for a 5K run with President Pamela Gann. Ask one of the many CMC students, faculty, and staff who participated in the annual run, and they’ll tell you that this school tradition is worth the missed sleep.

Inspired by Gann’s own enjoyment of jogging, CMC’s fourth annual 5K run with the president is a fun kick-off to the academic year. The approximate 3.1-mile route begins at Sixth Street and Mills Avenue, just south of Ducey Gym, and snakes through the campuses of The Claremont Colleges. Assistants stationed along the route directed runners, and upon crossing the finish line at Butler Plaza by Bauer Center, participants received a T-shirt emblazoned with the event slogan, I Rann with Gann.

“I like the camaraderie, and I enjoy getting out with the students at the very beginning of the year,” President Gann said of the run. As well, it’s the kind of activity that “is not so taxing that people can’t talk along the way,” she said.

The tradition began as a part of President Gann’s inauguration in 1999. “It’s a good way to burn off some nervous energy before the first day of school,” said Steve Falkenhagen ’04. “And it definitely helped me wake up for the big day.”

Jefferson Huang, associate dean of students and campus life, said that after the inaugural run, Matt Sonne ’01 suggested that CMC continue the tradition. Gann supported the idea and has started the year off running ever since.

Head baseball coach Randy Town said, “I enjoy running in the event for fun, and like to see our students in a relaxed atmosphere.”

On Sept. 14, President Gann will hike with students in the hills of Mt. Baldy. The event is coordinated by Women’s Forum President Abbie Johnson ’04, and starts at 9 a.m.

Members of the CMS women's volleyball team finish up the 5k run. Nearly 240 CMC students, faculty and staff participated in the fourth annual event with President Pamela Gann. Runners received free T-shirts at the finish line.