Human Race honors former Gonzaga student, supports clinics in third world

Gonzaga University Law School will host the fourth annual Human Race on Saturday, Sept. 25. The race is a five-kilometer charity fun run/walk benefiting Partners in Health, an international nonprofit organization that provides services and supplies to those living in poverty around the world.

The Human Race is co-sponsored by three Gonzaga law student groups: the Gonzaga Journal of International Law, the International Law Society and Amnesty International.

Of every dollar, 94 cents is donated to Partners In Health, according to Whitney Stohr-Hendrickson, associate editor and public service liaison for the Gonzaga Journal of International Law. The money raised will go toward helping doctors and nurses run clinics in Third World countries.

Help is provided to communities in Haiti, Peru, Russia, Rwanda, Lesotho, Mexico, Guatemala and the United States. Money will also go toward essentials such as food, beds and shelter, but most importantly, "contributions help teams of doctors provide hope," Stohr-Hendrickson said.

Gonzaga law student Kristina Glover founded the Human Race in 2007. During her third year of Law School, Glover died after a struggle with ovarian cancer. The race is now held in her honor.

"All donations to Partners in Health are made in memory of Kristina," Stohr-Hendrickson said. "Partners in Health is a cause she strongly believed in. Thanks to Kristina's inspiration and hard work, the Human Race has been continued as an annual event."

Last year, there were approximately 260 race participants as well as numerous volunteers, and approximately $2,200 was donated to Partners In Health. Local business and community members also made donations that funded an award ceremony and celebration following the race, according to Stohr-Hendrickson.

Each year, the Human Race has included more racers and raised more money than the previous year.

"Initial runners of the race were mostly people with a Gonzaga connection or members of the local legal community," said Mary Treuthart, faculty adviser to the Gonzaga Journal of International Law. "But each year, there has been a greater outreach to area runners. The number of participants has grown each year as a result."

"It's difficult to predict how much we will raise this year. Our hope is to continue the trend of expanding the Human Race," Stohr-Hendrickson said. "Last year the undergraduate campus was represented by several runners, and it would be great to have an increase in undergraduate representation."

Participants will begin and end the race at the Gonzaga Law School, running or walking along the Centennial Trail and through Riverfront Park.

"It's a great way to get outdoors. It's usually on one of the last days of warm weather," Stohr-Hendrickson said. "It's also the beginning of the school year, so it's a great way to get to know people and race proceeds benefit a very worthy cause."

"Prizes are also awarded to top finishers," Treuthart said.

There will be an award ceremony and celebration following the race. Breakfast foods and other snacks will also be provided as well as live music. Runners can also receive a Human Race T-shirt for their participation.

"This is an open event, and the law school welcomes all participants," Stohr-Hendrickson said. "Please encourage your friends and families to register or donate."