On Feb. 17, the local chapter of Alpha Omicron Pi and the Ames Area Running Club presented a check for $15,500 to the Arthritis Foundation, setting a new record for the group’s philanthropy. The money was raised during the 27th annual Run for the Roses.

Alpha Omicron Pi and the Ames Area Running Club host the annual event in the fall to raise money for their national philanthropy, the Arthritis Foundation. The Run for the Roses is a 5K and a 10K walk/run that everyone is invited to take part in.

Race directors Sarah Dvorsky and Dara Miller said they were glad to see the totals rise from past years. As juniors, they have taken part in the Run for the Roses since their freshman year. They said they were happy to see everyone come together and show their support.

Don Muff, president of the Ames Area Running Club, said they are proud to have taken part in this event since the beginning. He said he was excited to see the number of participants go up as well as the amount of money that they were able to donate.

“The first year we held the Run for the Roses, we were lucky to see 100 people turn out. To have over 1,150 this past year is very exciting,” said Muff.

Each year, more and more time goes into the preparations of this event. With the rising numbers each year, this extra effort is necessary to help things to run smoothly, the race directors said.

Each year, new race directors are selected, and the responsibilities fall on their shoulders. Dvorsky and Miller enjoyed their time as directors. They were happy to plan the 2012 race and to have that experience.

The Run for the Roses was established in 1987. Since then, Alpha Omicron Pi and the Ames Area Running Club have donated $155,000 to the Arthritis Foundation.

In the future, Muff hopes to see the numbers continue to rise. What he thought helped the most this year was being able to register online through AccessPlus. The 28th annual run for the roses will be held next October at the Ames Middle School.

“If you have not participated, just give it a try. You don’t have to be a top runner, just come out and show your support,” Muff said.