NIU’s ninth annual Thanksgiving Classic 15K and 5K walk/runs brought in a record-breaking crowd of participants, classic organizer and founder Alisha Cosky said.

Both 5K (3.1 miles) and 15K (9.3 miles) began north of NIU’s Recreation Center on Lincoln Highway, Cosky said. She said the 15K ran north to Ridge Drive and Nelson Road, and the 5K ran through the residence hall area.

Cosky said 316 participants ran in the 5K walk/run while 146 participated in the 15K run.

Last year only about 400 participated in the event.

Cosky said results of the race would not be available for a “few days.” One team participated in the co-ed team competition, which was open only to NIU students carrying six or more credit hours, said Lisa Miller, who helped with the classic.

Four stations, which offered different fitness profile testing, were set up before the events, Cosky said.

unners were grouped in eight age divisions for both men and women, including categories for those 55 and older. Special divisions for those 12 and younger were set up for the 5K race.

All participants received long-sleeved T-shirts and were eligible for running merchandise and gift certificates raffled at the rec center after both races were completed.

Cosky said the classic is not a fund raiser but an opportunity to share in a fitness experience. She said registration fees just break even with the costs of running the event, including costs of T-shirts, refreshments and entry forms.

Cosky said she was happy with the results of this year’s classic. “A wonderful time was had by all,” she said.