Runners gathered bright and early Saturday morning at the Troy University Arboretum for the inaugural 5K Arboretum Fund Run.

Fighting the wind and cold, participants raced from the top of the Arboretum parking lot, to the front entrance, back up to Meadowloop Trail, around the lake and then back to the Arboretum and around again to reach 3.10 miles. 

Organized by the Troy University Biology Department and doctoral candidate Adam McPherson, the proceeds from the run will be used to purchase needed equipment and supplies to help maintain and further develop the Arboretum. 

“We sincerely thank everyone who came out to participate in the run and appreciate their support of the Arboretum,” said Dr. Alvin Diamond, Director of the Arboretum and biology professor. “None of the restoration efforts over the last two years would have been possible without community support and involvement. We want the Arboretum to continue to serve as a place of learning, but also as a place where the community can come to enjoy the outdoors. We invite everyone out to walk the trails, view the informational signs and see what exactly we have to offer.”

Winners in the male category were: first place, Jonas Koturenka; second place, Kyle green; and third place, Jonathan Sellers. Koturenka set a course record of 19:45.

Winners in the female category were: first place, Amber Rae Steen; second place, Brittany Pinney; and third place, Juliette Seive.

The arboretum encompasses 75-acres and features seven and a half miles of nature trails, over 500 identified plant species, a pond, an outdoor classroom and an indoor classroom. 

Restoration efforts began in early 2022 when care of the arboretum was transferred back under the wing of Diamond and the College of Arts and Sciences. Since then, and with the help of a team of volunteers from across the University and community, extensive work has been done to return the grounds to its former glory. 

The Arboretum also serves as a readily accessible area to the University and the City of Troy for picnics, bird watching and the simple enjoyment of nature. The Arboretum is open to the public from sunrise until sunset seven days a week. To learn more about TROY’s Arboretum, visit the website.