FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The Nova Southeastern University cross country and track and field teams volunteered in the 2011 ING Miami Marathon held on Sunday, Jan. 30th. The event drew one of their biggest crowds yet with over 20,000 runners. Participants were registered from over 76 countries and all 50 states for about an 18 percent increase from last year’s event.

The Sharks brought a thirty man roster and could hardly keep up with the large number of participants. Manning the water and aid station at mile four, the Sharks handed out water and Gatorade while cheering for the crowds of runners.

“I have never seen so many runners in my life,” said head coach Brian Hagopian. “It said they had 20,000 runners but to me it seem like there were a million. All of a sudden they just made this big crowd around us, we had five people just filling the cups and the rest of us were passing it out. We had eight tables with cups premade and within twenty minutes after the first 100 people came we were completely empty.”

After a rough practice the day before, the Sharks were able to pick up the momentum at the start of the event. With this being one of their most challenging volunteer events yet, they were still excited to be there and cheer on the participants.

Hagopian gives a few reasons behind his athletes participating in these events, “first is to give back to the running community while demonstrating what dedication and determination is to my athletes. Then my biggest thing is for them to know that they can continue to keep up with their fitness after their collegiate career in hopes of creating and continuing a healthy lifestyle.”

The Sharks are looking to build a strong relationship with ING Miami Marathon Company through Race Director Barbra Ruiz. Planning to continue volunteering for ING events, NSU’s cross country and track and field programs are hoping to eventually have ING help in hosting a fund raising road race for their program in the near future.