Students from Trident Naval Society ran for 24 hours, beginning at noon on Friday, in a fund-raising effort that raised more than $2,500 for the local Special Olympics.

"You wouldn't think running like this would be appealing, but we have found a way to make it appealing," said Trident President Ryan Gagnet. "There is a huge participation from people who are not even in the club."

Students donned orange vests and ran in two-hour shifts, carrying tin cans to collect donations. Most students, especially those who had participated last year, were excited to run.

"We devised a game plan of going nuts anytime someone donated," said sophomore Hans Biebl. "I think we may have made ourselves into a bit of a comic relief."

The only rule was that there had to always be at least one person running. Students found creative ways to comply with the rule. Students ran all over campus, through LaFortune Student Center, around the bookstore and some late-night runners even crashed off-campus parties.

"We ran through Reckers singing," said sophomore Matthew Burkhardt, whose shift was from 4 to 6 am. "Seventies tunes really turned heads at that hour."

Trident Naval Society works closely with the Special Olympics, and in the coming months students will team with the South Bend branch to bowl and play volleyball. Gagnet said that this aspect makes the fund raiser especially rewarding because members of Trident will see firsthand how the money is being used.

The 24-hour run was an experience that left most students feeling exhausted but pleased with themselves and with the generosity of the Notre Dame community.

"We received compliments about how we serve our country," said sophomore Chris Heck. "It really gave me a sense of pride and patriotism to see the community being involved in such a good cause."

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