The annual Kristen Faust Inspirational 5K Run and Walk took place on Sunday as part of Homecoming Weekend.

The race, which started at the East Gym fields and followed a course around campus, was held in memory of Kristen Faust, who graduated from Binghamton University in 2000. Approximately 100 people ran or walked in the race.

Proceeds from the race benefit the Kristen Faust Memorial Fund, an endowed scholarship fund started in honor of Faust. The scholarship is awarded yearly to a graduating senior from BU.

Faust, who was a senior counselor at the University Counseling Center, passed away unexpectedly in 2006. The race was started five years ago and is currently organized by Holly Brown, assistant director of operations and staff development for Campus Recreational Services; Jen Hapgood, Residential Life business manager and assessment specialist; and Jami Johnston, an alumna.

Hapgood, who was Faust’s partner, said that the race is one of the ways that the work Faust did can be continued.

“I think it’s a really nice race for a good cause,” Hapgood said. “It helps Binghamton students, which is something Kristen was doing.”

According to Hapgood, the race is aimed at friends, family and alumni who knew Faust, but she said it grows a little in size every year.

Hapgood said she sees this as a testament to the type of person Faust was.

“Kristen was a very caring person, especially in the counseling center and with her friends and family,” Hapgood said. “She always extended her caring.”

Both friends of Faust and people who did not know her personally participated in the race.

Joe Rogan, class of 2009, finished second. He said he enjoyed running the race.

“The course was a little rough because it was super slippery,” Rogan said. “But it was lots of fun and I’m glad I ran it. I was visiting my swim team this weekend and had read about the 5k online, and decided to do it.”

Heather Doyle, the first woman to cross the finish line in this year’s race, said she knew Faust personally.

“I was close with Kristen and I ran the race the first year it was held,” Doyle said. “It’s an inspiration for me. I was contemplating not running this year, but I am glad that I decided to do it.”