Bright and early on Sunday morning, students and local residents lined up outside of the Campus Y ready to participate in the Solar Strides 5K Run and Walk Fundraiser. The fundraiser isan effort geared to install a 42.075 kW solar array on a brand new, affordable apartment complex.
The apartment complex, the PEACH Apartments, will offer affordable units with zero-debt funding, Chapel Hill’s first complex to do so.
Solar Equity, the host club of the event is a nonprofit organization run completely by UNC students. The club’s goal is to install solar panels in low-to-moderate income housing in the North Carolina area.
“The point of the 5k is to bring people in the community together to realize the importance of affordable renewable energy,” resident and Executive Director Kaya Johnson said.
Johnson also said that 5Ks tend to be a good fundraising event because they are accessible to participate in or to experience through support on the sidelines.
Tables were set up in front of Meantime Coffee’s entrance, ready to greet participants as they crossed the finish line, which was marked by a large blue arch, sponsored by the shoe company Fleet Feet.
Director of Networking Caroline White said that the organizational process required work with a committee to try and get sponsors and promotions in order to host a smooth event.
“It’s a lot to come out here early in the morning to sign up and buy race T-shirts,” White said. “We just wanted it to be as good of an experience for our participants as possible.”
The finish line tables were loaded with Insomnia Cookies, Brandwein’s Bagels, and energy drinks: a sweet incentive to those racing.
