Bee prepared for Earth Week

St. Kate’s campus to support pollinators in 5K Bee Run

By Emily Cox

As St. Kate’s gears up to host the 2021 St. Paul 5K Bee Run in partnership with the Great River Coalition, plans have been adjusted accordingly to accommodate COVID-19 restrictions. Still, in support of pollinators and the Great River Coalition’s mission to create Pollinator Pathways, the run has marched onward in the face of the restrictions. Taking place from April 17 through the 24, it will be entirely virtual, allowing participants to go at their own pace alongside family and friends.

“Running a race is often a very social event,” explained St. Kate’s Track and Field Coach, Shannon Houlihan, who has been helping plan the run, “While there are some people that love to race and want to run for the competitive aspect, a lot of people want to run to have fun with friends or family.”

Though participants are unable to gather together, it does mean that anyone can register for the race and show their support, regardless of where they are currently living. 

“It allows alumnae or students who are living at home this semester to participate,” Houlihan pointed out, a silver lining amidst the disappointment of being unable to compete in person.

The virtual run also opens up the unique opportunity for participants to decide how they want to compete, by running, walking, biking, or any combination thereof. They can take it slow or shoot for a new personal record, but the important aspect for Houlihan and the rest of the team behind the Bee Run is having fun.

“It will really be focused on getting outdoors,” Houlihan stressed, “and getting active with your own family or your roommates.  I personally believe it's very important to still be active despite the restrictions we have in place for COVID, so this is a great event to allow people to get outdoors and moving in a very safe environment.”

Additionally, the architects behind the run wanted to find other fun ways to involve the community, despite the inability to gather together in person. One such idea manifested in creating multiple patterns for quirky and bright Bee Costumes participants can make at home to show their support for pollinators and get into the spirit of the run.

St. Kate’s Apparel, Merchandising & Design department put together the patterns, students using their creativity to make unique designs that celebrate the natural wonder of bees. 

“We always look to engage our students,” said department chair and associate professor, Anupama Pasricha, “and provide them opportunities that will facilitate their professional and civic engagement.”

A look at the Bee Costume patterns

“Sustainability is a strong focus area in our department and fashion curriculum,” Pasricha continued, acknowledging how the fun Bee Costumes support pollinators and the environment in more ways than one. “We believe that all design thinking and work should use a sustainability paradigm. That makes sense for people, planet, and profit.”

“We highly encourage costumes!” Houlihan said. “Seeing a bee out for a run will bring a smile to anyone’s face, and will help bring some awareness to the need to protect our pollinators to help make a better future for all of us. “

If you are interested in participating in the Bee Run and showing your support for local pollinators, see the flier below to learn how to register. For more information on the Great River Coalition and their partnership with St. Kate’s, click here.