William James
The Broadside
It’s all come down to this. The 2011 May Race Series at Central Oregon Community College comes to a close with the campus-wide race known as “Storm the Stairs.”
“I think most would consider this the toughest race of the series,” says Intramural Sports Director Bill Douglass.
The 16th installment of the event consists of a two mile run or walk that will take the racers all over campus, starting from the COCC track and finishing at Juniper Hall, covering 300 stairs on the way.
Following the race, trophies and prizes will be awarded to the winning participants, and a barbecue will take place at the Student Center on campus, either outside or inside depending on the weather.
“We like to make it a big party for the end of the year,” says Douglass, “So it’s pretty much on purpose that ‘Storm the Stairs’ is the last race of the series.”
Zachary Rowland, a COCC student who has participated in Storm the Stairs twice during his tenure at the school, said this race is the perfect one to kick the summer off.
“To me, it’s the best race COCC puts on,” said Rowland. “The reason why I say this is because you get to test your mental toughness more than you do in flat races.”
Rowland also has some key advice for runners to handle the course.
“Get into a strong mindset coming into the race and don’t get intimidated by the stairs,” said Rowland. “Once your calves start burning you have to mentally block it out and just keep going.”
As with all May race series competitions, entry is free to all COCC and Oregon State University-Cascades students and staff. It will cost five dollars for community members.
If you wish to participate in the 16th annual “Storm the Stairs,” fill out a registration form and return it to the Sports and Recreation office located in the lower level of Mazama Hall, Office 111.
William James can be reached at [email protected].