Members of the Eating Awareness Committee, Campus Recreation and Sodexo will host the fifth annual Tour DeFleur 5K race at Binghamton University this weekend.

The event is raising money for EAC to aid its efforts to spread health awareness through educational programs on campus. The committee sponsors at least two large-scale events each academic year, in addition to a number of smaller and individually-organized programs, including a boot camp and a sprint triathlon.

EAC has no working budget and relies on donations and fundraising to support its mission. According to Cindy Cowden, associate director for Campus Recreation, the committee is organized by representatives from several University departments as well as student representatives. The subcommittee of the EAC is an SA-chartered group of students that have mostly participated in the Nutrition & Fitness Internship class and aim to share their knowledge with their fellow peers on campus, encouraging healthy lifestyle and diet choices.

The run specifically reflects the goals of the committee, as it advocates for a mindful lifestyle, in this case through fun and collective exercise with fellow students.

‘Eating Awareness aims to educate students campus-wide in order to lead a healthy lifestyle,’ said Michele Gordon, president of the EAC and a senior majoring in philosophy, politics and law.

Gordon also noted that the event is effective in creating a fun environment while learning about important issues.

‘We are doing something that’s good for your body, in a fun way. You’re doing it with other people, music is playing and there will be healthy food,’ Gordon said. ‘It is a great event to get people involved and aware ‘ we try to keep it fun, and make it something to look forward to.’

The event will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday on the varsity cross country course, and prizes will be provided for the top three male and female finishers, as well as the winner in each age group.

The race was originally started by a group of resident assistants five years ago who looked for support from Campus Recreation and the EAC to help organize an effective event, Cowden said. Since then, the students have graduated, but with the event’s success, EAC and campus recreation have continued to host the race annually.

According to Cowden, there were 114 participants last year, becoming the largest group of runners at the event on record. There was also a significant number of spectators and supporters.

‘I think there has been a pretty good mix of students and community members, in previous years,’ said Cowden, who is also treasurer for the EAC. ‘There are quite a large number of students participating because these health issues are of interest.’

In addition to the race, there will be entertainment at the event, including performances by the Binghamtonics, Rhythm Method and kickline. There will also be free giveaways and food provided. In addition, there will be a Kids Fun Run, a 100-yard dash, at 11:45 a.m. to include the younger generation of the local community.

‘It’s also family-friendly, so it’s good for the community, as well as campus groups,’ Cowden said.

According to Gordon, the 5K run, or walk, is a way to become involved on campus, and to support awareness on healthy living. The run is a motivational push toward better living objectives.

‘We want participants to engage in healthy activities, have fun and know that a healthy lifestyle is an attainable goal,’ Cowden said.

To learn more about healthy living, EAC holds weekly meetings to help students remain active and healthy. The meetings address topics ranging from vegetarianism to steroid use. The committee also provides support groups for eating disorders as well as training opportunities for athletes.

Pre-registration costs $10 to participate and sign-ups will be available through Friday in the Recreation office, which is located in Old University Union room 260. Registration on the day of the event is $15 and a $2 student discount will be given if a valid University ID is shown.