Bruins to get a running start meeting Dynes

Dmitri Pikman
Published: Monday, December 1, 2003

Students who want to get acquainted with new University of California President Robert Dynes will get their chance – that is, if they are willing to wake up at 6 a.m. and run for four miles.

Dynes, an avid runner and fitness enthusiast, has invited UCLA students and faculty who share his love of running to join him on a run around the UCLA perimeter on Tuesday.

“It is basically a low-key, informal, friendly opportunity to share President Dynes’ enthusiasm for fitness and running,” said Glennis Waterman, event manager for UCLA Special Events, the group organizing the run.

The run starts at 6:30 a.m. but students can show up at 6 a.m. for a 30-minute warm-up.

The run will proceed around the perimeter of the entire campus, starting and ending at the bottom of Janss Steps.

Though this is the first time Dynes has run at UCLA, he is no stranger to running alongside students.

During his time as chancellor of UC San Diego, Dynes participated in a yearly 5K run with his wife, also an avid runner. Over the years, the event became a way to raise scholarship funds, with Dynes donating money for every student or faculty member who beat his running time.

Abby Lunardini, spokeswoman for the UC Office of the President, said this would be a good opportunity for students to meet the man responsible for running the entire UC system.

“President Dynes is a pretty informal guy. He likes to meet students and faculty in this very casual setting, and students should definitely take advantage, if they can wake up that early,” Lunardini said.

She added that she isn’t sure how many people are expected to attend, but a recent run held at UC Riverside attracted about 50 participants.

Because UCLA is a bigger campus, more students are expected.

Waterman also encouraged student participation.

“Just show up wearing your running shoes and run; it should be fun,” she said.