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Molnar
event tweaked
Fitness challenge now features chest press and 5K run
Furman is adding a new twist, a new location and a new name to what has become a university fitness tradition. The 2002 Molnar Memorial Fitness Challenge, formerly the Molnar Memorial Mountain Challenge, will begin Thursday, May 23, at 8:30 a.m. on campus.
The university's first Molnar Memorial Mountain Challenge was held in 1987 in honor of Health and Exercise Science (HES) professor Sandor Molnar after his death. Molnar earned a reputation as an influential HES instructor who tested his students' strengths both academically and physically. He often challenged students to run with him to the top of Greenville's Paris Mountain - a 4K run. The activity evolved into a study day tradition each spring term for Furman faculty, staff, students and the community. More than 300 people of all ages have participated in previous years' challenges.
According to Furman Fitness Center Director Scott Murr, the decision to move the challenge to campus was due to the escalating traffic volume over the years en route to Paris Mountain, in addition to current construction. The new location presents the opportunity for added variety in an event that is sure to draw more interest and, in keeping with Molnar's philosophy, helps to promote exercise safety.
This year's challenge gives individuals the opportunity to participate in one of three categories - 1) 5K Run/Walk, a distance measured from the Physical Activities Center (PAC) and along the circumference of the campus; 2) Press and Run, a chest press exercise on the PAC's Trotter Seated Chest Press followed by the 5K run; and 3) Pump and Run, a bench press challenge in the PAC followed by the 5K run. Individuals who participate in the Press and Run and Pump and Run will be given the advantage of beginning the race before participants only in the 5K Run/Walk.
"This is not intended to be a competitive event," said Murr. "Some students want to push themselves and see what they're capable of, but there is something for everyone."
The Molnar Memorial Fitness Challenge is sponsored by the HES Majors Club and the Furman Fitness Center.
-- by
Aynoka Bender