The Glow Run is an annual 2.5-mile Oklahoma Christian University tradition, held this year on Oct. 13.
The run is a free event that brings together runners of different skill levels for a night of competition and fun.
Trey Orndorff, professor of political science, discovered a way to connect his faith to an activity he appreciates.
“One of the things that I love about running is that it’s my prayer time,” Orndorff said. “I like to be moving and praying at the same time.”
Orndorff challenges students to see how God is pushing them in their own lives.
“Maybe running isn’t going to be your thing, but ask: ‘are you doing something else where you’re moving the way God wants you to move?’” Orndorff said. “If not, come give running a try.”
Orndorff connects movement to the way God created people.
“I would suggest that most of us don’t move enough in our lives, and God made us move,” Orndorff said.
Students can expect Orndorff to bring some shenanigans to the run.
“It’s fun, especially when I’ve been training to see how many students I can pick off,” Orndorff said. “I’ve had 28 surgeries, and I like to be able to come out and give people a hard time.”
He recounts a funny interaction with students.
“Not this past year, but the year before that, I had just gotten back from surgery, and I was coming behind a couple of students and they were like, ‘You can’t let Dr. Orndorff win,’” Orndorff said. “So I love competing with all the students.”
Orndorff describes his history with running.
“I have run 40-some half marathons and four fulls and then too many 5ks and 10ks to count,” Orndorff said.
Orndorff is no stranger to marathon runs, taking on the challenge year after year.
“I have done the Glow Run and Memorial Marathon through Team OC every year since I got hired, so this will be my eighth year,” Orndorff said. “My kiddos generally come around and do it with me too.”
Junior Jeremiah Lorance explains how he’s preparing for the Glow Run.
“I’ve been running,” Lorance said. “I ran five miles on Tuesday night, and then I ran four miles last night, and I’m just getting my body ready for it.”
Lorance is no stranger to the Glow Run, having competed in the event since his sophomore year.
“My favorite memory was getting fifth as a sophomore,” Lorance said.
Junior Brody White enjoys collecting glow sticks.
“My favorite part is taking the glow sticks from the helpers and then ending up with like 30 glow sticks on my arm.”
White has found his own way to stay motivated while running.
“I have a go-to playlist,” White said. “It’s the early 2000s and it starts off with ‘Replay’ by Zendaya.”
White explains how he’s experienced setbacks in the past.
“In my sophomore year I was really sick and I threw up three times and still beat Bryce Russell,” White said. “I think I got top seven.”
Sophomore Makenna Utley describes her favorite memory from the Glow Run.
“I like that it brings the community together, like a whole variety of people going,” Utley said.
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