Because of budget cuts, time may be running out for one of Veishea’s long-standing traditions.

Recent discussions among the Veishea Committee have addressed the possibility of eliminating “Veishea Voyage” from future celebrations.

Runners for Veishea Voyage carry the Veishea torch 479 miles from the suburbs of Chicago at the Argonne National Laboratory through the Midwest to Ames for the Veishea opening ceremonies.

Staci Hockemeyer, Veishea Voyage co-chair, said the elimination of the Voyage would be disappointing.

“It’s one of the most unique events that takes place, and participants enjoy it very much,” said Hockemeyer, junior in dietetics.

Participants run as many miles as they want, but she said most runners set personal goals. Some runners have been known to run about 40 miles in 12 to 14 hours, but the average participant probably runs about 20 in that time span.

Hockemeyer said all students can participate in Veishea Voyage. As of April 8, there were about 30 runners set to participate in the Voyage.

Christine Graham, senior in veterinary medicine, said she is making the Voyage for fun with a group of friends and classmates.

“It isn’t designed exclusively for elite runners with exceptionally high endurance ability,” she said. “It is a completely non-competitive running event. Participants should just enjoy running. It is designed for varying running paces and abilities.”

Lori Applegate, junior in dietetics, participated in the Voyage last year and advised runners to prepare for this event.

“You need to be in shape for this. I was not in shape last year, and I’m still paying for it,” she said. “I suggest that the runners stretch out very well before they start. Also, get plenty of rest before you start, and make sure you’re able to recover afterward, too.”

Veishea Voyage started Sunday at 6 a.m. and will end Friday at 7 a.m. The 479-mile route will follow the shape of a “V” for Veishea.

Hockemeyer said she commends the efforts of the runners for sacrificing 24 hours out of the middle of the school week to run through both day and night through all weather conditions.

“[Veishea Voyage] will inevitably prove to be one of the most memorable experiences at Iowa State ever. It’s not every day that you run at 3 a.m. through the middle of the rural Midwest,” she said.

Hockemeyer said Veishea Voyage is a great way to circulate the name of Iowa State.

“Veishea Voyage is a great way to showcase and celebrate Iowa State and Veishea because they pass through a multitude of communities as the display our banner,” she said.

Applegate, who participated last year, said one of her most memorable experiences from the Voyage was running through Strawberry Point.

“The high school team ran with us for about seven miles — that was their practice. It was really cool. People were outside taking pictures and stuff,” she said. “It was such a big deal for this little town to have Veishea come through their town.”

For anyone still interested in running one of the last legs of the week, contact Hockmeyer at the Veishea Office at 294-1026.