Yesterday afternoon, I headed over to the THON FT5K to hang out, take some pictures, and support one of THON’s larger events besides THON Weekend. Having walked it last year, I was extremely excited to see this year’s turnout, rock out to Larry Moore’s superb choice of jammage, and see all the intriguing decor that accompany THON events.

This year’s registrants topped last year’s by nearly a thousand, totaling to 6,425. Special Events Overall, Becky Mayes, was thrilled with the turnout and couldn’t have asked for a better day.

“It’s so exciting! Today has been wonderful day, just a wonderful,” Mayes said. “Every year we learn from the previous years, what works and what didn’t, and we grow. We also have such an amazing alumni base who comes back every year and gets involved.”

The race’s first place finisher, Penn State student Erich Leiden, expressed how amazed he was by the endless wave of high-fives and blaring music as he returned to the Bryce Jordan Center to complete the race.

“A lot of my friends came out to race today, so I wanted to be a part of it. I also participated in THON at my high school, so I try to support it in any way that I can,” Leiden said.

Check out the video below to see a few pictures I took from the FT5K (make sure it is in 720p).