WinCraft donates to SMU Row, Ride, Run triathlon

Richard Pope, chairman and CEO of WinCraft, left, and John Killen, president and chief operating officer of WinCraft, right, display items donated to the Saint Mary’s University Row, Ride, Run triathlon along with Chris McClead, triathlon organizer, and SMU students Abby Voigt and Gracie Hoffman.

WinCraft graciously donated hundreds of lanyards, race towels and fridge magnets, as well as clipboards and plaques, to Saint Mary’s University’s spring Row, Ride, Run triathlon.

The last triathlon took place Saturday, April 28, and approximately 150 athletes from throughout the Midwest registered. Row, Ride Run participants canoed or kayaked a 2.5-mile loop around Lake Winona, then biked 14 miles from Lake Winona to the SMU campus. Once on campus, racers ran 3.1 miles through the bluffs surrounding the university.

“WinCraft likes to support events that promote good health, education and events that benefit Winona,” said John Killen, president and chief operating officer of WinCraft. “The students of Saint Mary’s have done a great job of putting together the Row, Ride, Run to raise money for educational trips, and they promote a healthy lifestyle.”

Proceeds from the triathlon assist Serving Others United in Love (SOUL), a student organization sponsored by SMU’s Office of Campus Ministry. Through SOUL, students are able to connect with diverse communities by participating in national and international service trips.

 “WinCraft’s sponsorship has made Row, Ride, Run a significant triathlon in the tri-state area and helped us raise the necessary funds to allow all students — regardless of their financial status — to experience faith, community, service, and transformation on SOUL trips,” said Chris McClead, co-director of SMU’s Office of Campus Ministry and triathlon organizer.