The SGA Community Relations Committee traveled to the Willows Park in Radnor to assist in the Radnor Run road race last Sunday.

The event consisted of a five-mile run as well as a one-mile run-and-walk.

The students in the SGA committee served as course marshals during the event and helped clean up afterwards.

The Community Relations Committee is in its second year as a part of SGA, and the Radnor Run served as a kick-off to set the year’s standard.

“We really wanted to enhance our performance this year,” Christopher Bellotti, the co-committee chair, said. “As a kick-off event, this was perfect to introduce Radnor to our increased commitment and to support a good cause at the same time.”

The committee was formed last year to improve Villanova’s relationship with Radnor Township.

Event coordinators were grateful for the help. Tom Blomstrom, director of parks and recreation for Radnor Township, said the event went over more smoothly than ever before, thanks in part to Villanova’s involvement.

“We definitely had a more noticeable presence this year,” Bellotti said. “In fact, the committee members were surprised by how well their help and company were received and were inspired by the event as a whole.”

Villanova senior Kristina Pachman finished first in her age group and eighth overall among the women.

Other students also ran the five-mile course.

Bellotti and co-committee chair Becky Simon said their goal is to show the community the true spirit of Villanova.

“It is important we recognize that everything that goes on in, around and outside of Villanova is a reflection on the University,” Bellotti said.

Starting off the year with a successful event, the committee has high expectations for the rest of the year.

“Becky and I are very ambitious,” Bellotti said. “If everything goes according to our plan, perhaps by the end of the school year we can start bridging our relationship with the Philadelphia area because there is a world of opportunity in that area.”