Race for a Reason, hosted by Alpha Sigma Alpha and Sigma Tau Gamma, took place Oct. 25 to raise money for their philanthropy, Special Olympics.

The race was a 5k and went all throughout campus, starting and finishing at the Alpha Sigma Alpha house.

People paid $10 to sign up and could run or walk the race.

Everyone who attended was encouraged to bring their dogs and put them in Halloween costumes.

Members of Alpha Sigma Alpha and Sigma Tau Gamma were encouraged to volunteer to walk dogs from the Conway Animal Shelter. 

Alpha Sigma Alpha senior Marygrace Matthews said, “My favorite part of the event is seeing the Greek community get together to support something bigger than ourselves, Special Olympics.”

“I chose to walk a dog from the shelter because I wanted to get a dog out for the day. I am very thankful I ended up signing up because I enjoyed getting to take Wilbur on a walk,” Matthews said. 

Sigma Tau Gamma junior Hunter Little explained why he chose to volunteer to walk a dog.

“It didn’t take that much extra time out of my day to walk the dog, but I was able to give the dog a new experience,” Little said. 

Some of the dog walking did not go as some of the members thought it would. 

“Walking Wilbur went a little different than I imagined,” Matthews said. “I thought he would want to walk more than anything else, but he wanted to sniff and look around more than anything. This made me think about not moving too fast and slow down from time to time.”

Little said, “My favorite part of the event was being able to be a part of an event with other Greek Organizations, and being able to walk a dog that doesn’t get to get out that often.”

Sigma Tau Gamma freshman Barrett Tipton said, “My favorite part was letting the dogs get out and go for a long walk, considering they are kept in kennels most of the day. I chose to walk a dog because I love being around dogs.”

Tipton said, “I think the dog walk went well. I do think the course is too long for most dogs. In my case, the dog was carried most of the time due to exhaustion.”

Since the dogs being walked were up for adoption, some people from the public had the opportunity to meet them. 

Alpha Sigma Alpha sophomore Natiale Hood said, “We saw a lady on the UCA campus and she told us she was looking for a dog. Since Ruby, the dog we were walking, had a bright adopt me vest on, she asked questions and asked how to adopt from the shelter.”

Hood said, “This may seem so small to some but just knowing we got to spread information about the shelter and the wonderful dogs up for adoption that could complete someone’s family felt very impactful.”

Race for a reason is an annual event that the sorority and fraternity host together to raise money for their philanthropy.