Students and alumni who have attended any of UCLA’s match
ups against USC in football or men’s basketball over the last
few years have probably left feeling a bit frustrated.
Well, now is their chance to take matters into their own hands
and reclaim Bruin glory.
Sunday’s Rivalry 5K Run, which is planned to be held
annually, puts students, alumni and fans from the storied rivals
against each other, and the school with the lowest average time
will claim the Victory Trophy and cross-town bragging rights.
The race, which will be held on April 27, begins at 8:45 a.m. at
the USC campus and is open to anyone willing to cough up $35 for
the entrance fee. That sum entitles registrants to a Rivalry Run
T-shirt and a finisher medal. Don’t worry, runners may select
a T-shirt with appropriate school colors. (Yes, there will be a
changing tent for women.)
The Rivalry Run is being promoted by International City Racing,
which sets up races between universities.
“USC-UCLA will be our first race,” said Bob Seagren,
a USC graduate and CEO of International City Racing. “We have
Stanford and Cal doing one in August and Michigan and Ohio State
doing one also in August. We have also signed Georgia and Georgia
Tech, who will do one in 2004. Our game plan is to add four to five
rivalry runs each year.”
The day begins at 7:45 a.m. with live entertainment, a
pep-rally, rivalry challenges and food. Following the race, the
event will continue (until noon) with dueling stages, entertainment
and more food.
Bruin fans worried about home court advantage ““ fear not
““ the event will be at the Rose Bowl next year.
For those interested, you can sign up at www.rivalryrun.com. The
online registration deadline for entry is tonight.