History of the Race
The Bulldog Jog took to the starting line in 1993 with humble beginnings, yet with a trademarked, spirited Bulldog determination, the event has grown in participation and stature since.
Two decades and thousands of participants later, the fundamentals of the event still hold true; student groups reap the benefits of an event designed to bring together the campus community over a healthy, competitive and fun activity.
You’re invited to relive the Bulldog Jog story, understand the HRC’s vision for this event, and dig through the archives to find your finishing times from year’s past.
The Bulldog Jog has a long history dating back to 1993. Since then, thousands of men and women have participated in Butler University’s premiere race, both young and old, runners and walkers, the competitive and those out for a fun morning with friends. Proceeds have gone to students via the Student Foundation and the HRC Student Scholarship Fund to advance professional development. The race is intended to celebrate life, fitness, and fun in the Butler Community and surrounding Indianapolis Metropolitan area.
2020 and beyond
Starting in 2020 the Bulldog Jog has been a partnership between Butler HRC and the Indy Runners and Walkers local running club to grow and expand. The 10k has been added to explore more of Butler’s campus and the surrounding area. The Organizing Committee is now a nice blend of Butler HRC, Butler Run Club, Butler students, and Indy Runners members committed to providing a fun day on campus for fitness, camaraderie and support for our beneficiaries.
Fall 2011
This fall the Department of Recreation became the new home for the Bulldog Jog. There have been a few additions to the race, most notably, a new website to assist in the overall participant experience and a 1-mile dog walk presented by our very own Blue II!
2000s
Led by a strong steering committee of nearly 60 committed volunteers from the Butler University Student Foundation (BUSF), Alumni and Parent Programs continued to serve as the host of the Bulldog Jog. In 2004, the race attracted as many as 300 participants, a strong increase from only 11 years earlier! In 2007 and 2011 the course had to be altered last minute due to poor weather conditions; however the show must go on, and arrangements were made to keep the tradition alive!
1990s
In 1993, the Alumni and Parent Program Department, with guidance alumni director Bill Farkas and a little help from current Butler staffer, John Page, started the initial 5k walk/run. In this inaugural year there were 4 participants (2 runners and 2 walkers). In the late 90’s the event expanded to around 200-250 participants. After the race in the fall of 1999, the event was moved to the spring.
Bulldog Jog & The Butler HRC
In 2012, the Butler University Department of Recreation (housed in the Health and Recreation Complex-HRC) took responsibility for one of the University’s signature events, the Bulldog Jog, a 5K run/walk that takes place on the Butler campus and surrounding area in the spring. This event was initially established 24 years ago as a part of Butler’s Homecoming festivities, but because of the Bulldog Jog’s increased participation, it was moved to the spring as its own event.
This year’s event will take place on Saturday, March 25, 2017 on the Butler University campus. A Dog Walk was added in 2011 and features Butler’s famous mascot, Trip, as the Grand Marshall.
The Bulldog Jog’s purpose is four-fold:
- To raise funds for student development opportunities;
- To promote the HRC to the student body and the Indianapolis community;
- To help raise awareness and supplies for local dog causes;
- To offer the Indianapolis community, particularly the neighborhoods surrounding Butler University, an opportunity to participate in a University event to promote good neighborhood relations.
The Butler HRC was established in 2006 and offers many new services to students, faculty and staff, while expanding others presently available. In addition to being the main hub for Butler’s Department of Recreation, the HRC also houses Counseling and Consultation Services, Health Education, and Health Services, making it a true wellness center on campus and the perfect home of the Bulldog Jog.
Since opening in 2006, over 1 million participants have enjoyed use of the HRC and staff are eager to add Bulldog Jog participants to that total.