By: Tom Berg, MSUM Assistant AD for Media Relations

MOORHEAD, Minn. -- There was a buzz around Alex Nemzek Stadium on Wednesday evening as Minnesota State University Moorhead president Dr. Anne Blackhurst took to the Ron Masanz Track to run 50 laps.

Blackhurst was doing so for the Laps for the Long Run event to raise money to support MSUM students.  To kick things off, Blackhurst pledged $1,000 per lap for all 50 laps she ran to start the fundraising.

Shortly after that pledge, Scheels announced it was donating $1 million to MSUM to go towards new turf at Nemzek Stadium. The facility will now be called Scheels Field at Nemzek Field. Work on installing the turf is slated to begin in the spring of 2015. In addition, new lights will be installed starting next spring as well.

"Laps for the Long run is a great example of seeing student and community engagement to support MSUM," said MSUM athletic director Doug Peters, who along with Dragon assistant athletic director Jon Wepking served as emcees for the event as President Blackhurst ran the laps. "It was a wonderful opportunity to witness that at this event."

Laps for the Long Run featured several groups and individuals who each ran a lap with President Blackhurst. Several Dragon Athletic teams, current student-athletes and Dragon athletic alumni also ran a lap with the president as part of the event. In addition, long-time Dragon track and field coach Ron Masanz and his wife, Barb also ran a lap with the president.

A large crowd gathered at the event to cheer on the president and the runners.  As of Wednesday, $1.2 million had been raised as a result of Laps for the Long run.

Individuals can still donate to the Laps for the Long Run fundraiser. They can do so by clicking here.