The LCC Triathlon and Running Club recently finished their first event in Greenville. The club ran in the second annual Dash for Cash 5K/10 mile run, an event held in honor Chris Cash of a Winterville Army National Guard captain killed in Iraq. The proceeds help fund a scholarship at N.C. Wesleyan College.

About 372 runners turned out for the race on a cold Sunday afternoon, according to LCC Human Services Program Head and club adviser Robert Van Meir. Two of the club’s members were at the starting line. Van Meir said he was there to "test his legs after finishing the Ironman a month before”. “It is a great cause and a chance to run some of the kinks out of my legs,” he said.

Also running was Valerie Cavenaugh, Spanish instructor at LCC. She was returning to running after a five-year absence. She is also in training to complete her first triathlon in April 2007. “The start of the race was great, it felt so good to run again," she said.

Cavenaugh did not waste any time getting back into the swing of running as she placed first in the women’s 40-49 age group. Van Meir placed third in the 30-39 age-group. Both were very pleased with their performances in the 5K (3.1 miles).

The LCC Triathlon and Running Club is dedicated to fitness and having fun. The club is open to all students, staff, and faculty. You do not have to be fast just a desire to increase your fitness, Van Meir said.

For more information contact Van Meir at rvanmeir@lenoircc.edu or Cavenaugh at vcavenaugh@lenoircc.edu.