Heartland Community College President Keith Cornille is putting his money where his feet are.
The first-year president is pledging to pay for the registration fee for any student who finishes ahead of him at the school’s Heartland Harvest 5K on Oct. 20.
The run is a fundraiser for the HCC Foundation’s scholarships.
“If they beat me I am more than happy to pay their entry fee,” Cornille said. “It’s just that we can be there together and we can enjoy a moment.
“I hope when I beat them, they can understand the old man still has some kick left in him,” he quipped.
Cornille, 57, calls himself a casual runner, saying he runs several times a week.
“The real goal there in some ways is certainly to raise money for scholarships, but if I can get students out there it gives me a chance to meet them,” Cornille said. “More importantly, if it changes their behaviors and their habits and they start exercising more and living a healthier lifestyle, that’s what this is about.”
Cornille said he’s already heard from one student who told him she plans to run in the race and has started working out in preparation for the challenge.
“If I’ve gotten that one student, then that’s perfect, but I hope to get a lot more students to change their way to a healthier lifestyle,” Cornille said.
The race is open to everyone, but Cornille is limiting his "Pass the President" challenge to Heartland students.
The course winds through Heartland Community College's Normal campus on Raab Road to the Corn Crib and back, finishing at the school’s Fitness and Recreation Center where participants will enjoy post-race snacks.
Advance registration for the Heartland Harvest 5K is $25 if received by Oct. 19. Race day registration is $30. More registration information can be found at Heartland.edu.
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