31 Dec 2014 Van Davis Memorial 5K gains USATF-certified status

The third annual National Park Community College Van Davis Memorial 5K scheduled Saturday, Feb. 14, in Whittington City Park, will include as a new feature USATF certification. A USATF-certified road race course is one in which the distance is certified for accuracy. Courses must be certified for a road running performance to be accepted as a record or to be nationally ranked. Participating on certified courses enables runners to accurately compare their performance times because the distances are equal.

The first Van Davis Memorial 5K was held in 2013 to honor the memory and legacy of Dr. Van Davis, NPCC social sciences division chair, history and political science instructor and avid runner.

The event also raised funds for the continuation of a scholarship Davis earlier established. Faculty, staff, students, and area residents participated in the event on one of his favorite running routes in Whittington City Park. According to organizers, the first race was a resounding success, and has become an annual fundraising event for the National Park Community College Foundation.

For more information, visit npcc.edu/VanDavis5K.