For the last 25 years, runners in the University of Iowa’s chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha have hit the pavement, pounding out miles to raise money for breast cancer awareness and research.

Starting at Hubbard Park, the rhythmic sound of runners and joggers echoed as heard as they made their way to City Park and back in the annual 5k event.

The annual fundraiser supports the sorority’s philanthropy: breast cancer education and awareness. According to a statement on the sorority’s website, its mission is “to support and fundraise for this cause in order to positively impact all those affected and diminish this disease.”

The money from participants or donations then goes to aid the Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation, the American Cancer Society, the NFL, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, and the University of Iowa Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center.

The American Cancer Society found that the average risk of a woman in the U.S. developing breast cancer is around 13 percent, which means that 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.

Claire Daley-Jacobsen, vice president of philanthropy for ZTA, said she began planning for the event in January of this year.

“It’s important to, for example, book Hubbard Park six months in advance, while making sure we book other vendors,” Daley-Jacobsen said. “I was preparing all summer for this, along with our philanthropy committee, and we began fundraising in the summer as well so that we’re able to amass the amount we normally do.”

Daley-Jacobsen said ZTA tries to do a variety of community outreach methods, such as reaching out to small and national businesses.

Since the 5K began in 2000, the event has continued to gather more participants from around Iowa, the Midwest, and among former ZTA alumni.

“Everyone had a really good time and just being with their loved ones — I think it’s really special,” Daley-Jacobsen said. “People like doing good things, so even just showing up on a Sunday morning and knowing that their registration was going towards a larger cause, I think, makes people feel really good and makes them feel like they’re being productive.”

The event began bright and early, as members of the sorority began setting up throughout campus at 8:30 a.m. on Oct. 13

The start and finish line was stationed at Hubbard Park, but multiple checkpoints were marked along the route, such as in front of Iowa Memorial Union River Amphitheater or at the end of the pedestrian bridge. ZTA members served as cheerleaders at the checkpoints as they yelled encouragement at the participants.

Second-year student at the UI and member of ZTA Claudia Witte cheered participants on at a checkpoint during the 5K.

Witte said she enjoyed the event last year along with this year’s, as it allows for bonding with new members while also giving back to the community.

“We just want to raise awareness and educate people and also raise money for all the people impacted by the risk,” Witte said. “Of course, we’re all really passionate about it and what we can do for our community and also nationally as an organization.”

Leading up to the 5K, ZTA does other fundraisers, such as partnering with Everbowl and handing out pink ribbons to spread awareness, said Witte. A specialist from the UI Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center talked to ZTA members for educational purposes as well.

“We do this event every year and we always look forward to holding our 5K for our community members. So, many people come back to it every year, and all of our seniors get to walk it,” Witte said.

Supporters and participants, such as UI students, parents, and others, gathered at Hubbard Park, where they checked in to receive their race bibs and t-shirts.

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In addition, the 5K was accessible and allowed a wide variety of participants to partake, such as infants in strollers, young children, and even a dog named Daisy.

Mac Wilson, a senior at Iowa City West High School, participated in the event. Wilson said he formerly ran cross country, is actively in track, and has run other 5K events.

“I haven’t run in a while, so it’s nice to get out here,” Wilson said. “I think [the event] is a great way to get people to come out.”

Wilson said the main reason he joined in on the race was to run for a good cause and support ZTA’s philanthropy.

Kate Schlawin, a first-year student at UI, and Sophie Pierce, a third-year student at UI, also participated in the event.

Schlawin and Pierce both said they enjoy running, so it made sense for them to come out and support the cause.

Schlawin also said the proximity to campus drew her to participate.

Despite the wind and chilly weather, those participating made their way along paths near the Iowa River, where they crossed bridges and looped around by City Park.

Connor Boyd, a second-year student at UI, was the men’s first-place winner, and Abigail Adams, a third-year student at UI, was the women’s first-place winner.

Overall, the event raised over $21,000. In the future, ZTA plans to continue hosting the 5K, along with other events to spread education and awareness about breast cancer.