Team #USFCOPHRocks! rocked Gasparilla
Team #USFCOPHRocks! showed up and showed out for the 2015 Gasparilla Distance Classic.
Almost 60 students, alumni, faculty, staff, significant others, children, and at least one parent kicked asphalt in a public health running of the Bulls. The college had representatives participate on Saturday, Feb. 21, and Sunday, Feb. 22, plus some ambitious folks who ran on both days and in multiple races.
Team members paid their own registration fees. However, thanks to a generous donation, the first 50 registrants received a complimentary COPH moisture-wicking shirt.
COPH graduate student Anna Cable (above) and alum Dr. Greg Danyluk (below) proudly display their team shirts.
Some Bulls finished with a personal record, while others were happy just to finish. However, all agree that “This is Public Health!” Here are some of their race day memories.
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“I had a great time running this race. This is one of my favorite courses to run in,” said COPH graduate student Mandy Chan. “That Sunday morning, the weather was perfect for 13.1 miles, and the course was flat so that you could go fast. At first, I was thinking of going easy and enjoying the run, but with the combination of the weather, the course and the “runner’s high,” I ran my fastest half-marathon time. I finished the race in 2 hours and 12 minutes! A new personal best!”
Mandy Chan
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COPH alumnus Gregory Danyluk, PhD, MPH, MS, ran with his two sons, Alexei and Maxim. Dr. Danyluk is the epidemiology program manager with the Florida Department of Health in Polk County, president of the Florida Public Health Association, and frequently mentors students in field experience.
“This definitely was not my first race — I actually ran the very first Gasparilla Distance Classic when it was held back in 1978, back when I was a sophomore at UF, and back when the only way I could get a commemorative t-shirt was by walking into Maas Brothers afterwards and buying one off the rack,” Danyluk recalls. “But in my wildest dreams, I’d never guess that I’d be running the race 37 years later with my sons (albeit this time, we all ran the half-marathon rather than the 15k that was the only offering back in ’78).”
Gregory Danyluk and sons Alexei (left) and Maxim.
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“My studies and internship keep me busy enough, but I still take the time to run and play sports. I have a need to be fit and keep my sanity with physical exercise,” said Diego Cardenas, a graduate student in occupational health and safety.
“When I knew I could represent USF COPH at the Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic 5K, I did not doubt it and signed up. It was a great experience running for my school and representing the USF College of Public Health … I finished the 5K on Saturday at 10:15 a.m. in 31:31, which was better than I expected considering my recent calf injury.”
Diego Cardenas
COPH alumna Emily Bronson ran the 5k with her husband, Michael. It was his first attempt, and he finished! Emily is a quality improvement analyst with the Florida Perinatal Quality Collaborative.
Public Health student Anna Cable ran the half-marathon. “I was pretty happy with my time — my second-best performance in my six half-marathons.”
COPH undergraduate instructor Laura Rusnak and toxicology graduate student Alexis Brinkerhoff were all smiles after their 8k run.
COPH department administrator Kristi James made the 5k a family affair. She participated with her husband, Mike, and son, Kai.
COPH alumna Kristin Steffen is an avid half-marathon runner. “I completed my first Gasparilla Race Weekend challenge – the Lime Cactus challenge, 2 days, 14.2 miles,” she said. Steffen is a project manager/contract administrator with USF Health.
Not to be outdone, the COPH “Godfather” ran the 5k. “My time was 32:42. And, I am proud of it!” He even managed to snap a photo of Lisa Sleek from the CFH department during his run.
Lisa Sleek