Notre Dame's Tri-Military Command hosted its first annual March Madness 10k Run Saturday and far surpassed its fundraising goal of $3,000 for the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP).
The three clubs — ATLAS (army ROTC), Arnold Air Society and Trident Naval Society — will donate the more than $3,700 it raised directly to the WWP, said Matt Zak, president of the Trident Naval Society. WWP has a stated mission "to raise awareness and enlist the public's aid for the needs of severely injured service men and women, to help severely injured service members aid and assist each other and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet the needs of severely injured service members," according to the organization's Web site.
According to the Web site, over 500,000 troops have been wounded in battle, and many have suffered traumatic brain injuries, amputations, severe burns and post-traumatic stress disorder.
The race began at Clarke Memorial Fountain and wound around campus and the lakes on a cool, partly cloudy Saturday.
"It was an enjoyable race despite the cold conditions, and I was happy to run for a good cause," said senior Matthew Bartindale, who won the event by completing the 6.2-mile track in less than 36 minutes.
More than 150 people participated in the event.
"I believe in supporting our troops and I admire what they do to protect our country," freshman Consuela Garcia said. "I enjoyed running the race for them."
Zak said he thought the event was a great success.
"We put in a lot of hard work over the last three months and I have received nothing but positive comments," Zak said. "Our goal was $3,000 and we almost made $4,000. I hope it will continue in the future."
