Western New Mexico University students are preparing for the return of the university’s biggest event – The Great Race.
The 48th annual event will include a week of races and other activities culminating with the final, campus-wide race on Saturday, April 18. Community members planning to attend to watch teams compete for the final race, should arrive before the start time of 12:00 p.m. Parking will be available in several campus areas; however, the streets will be closed slightly before the race time.
The race is set to take off in front of the Fine Arts Center Theater steps. The race route will include three laps around the main campus. Street closures will affect 12th Street, West Street and College Avenue.
Following the race will be an awards ceremony at Light Hall from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and the Mustang Festival from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in Old James Stadium. Community members are encouraged to bring their children to the Mustang Festival, as the event will include family friendly activities.
The Great Race began in the spring of 1967 as a one-day activity by students looking for fun activities to do as the academic year began to wind down. The event has been held each April and for the last several years has been extended to a week of time-trail races and other activities.