Members of Iowa State’s Sigma Chi chapter are running to Iowa City this weekend for the First Annual Sigma Chi Battle of the Birds Charity Relay Run to raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network.

Members from the ISU and University of Iowa Sigma Chi chapters planned the relay to coincide with Saturday’s Cyclone/Hawkeye football game.

Twenty-five to 30 members of Sigma Chi, 2136 Lincoln Way, left Thursday afternoon to begin the relay run of about 150 miles, said coordinator Jeremy Barchman. A “Battle of the Birds” football will be carried at all times by whoever is running.

Barchman, junior in zoology, said money has been donated in lump sums for the run.

The relay run used to be held annually with the U of I’s chapter of Sigma Chi but ended around eight years ago when the school’s chapter closed.

“We heard about it through [Sigma Chi] alumni,” said Mark Larson, member of Sigma Chi and junior in physical therapy.

Now that the U of I chapter is trying to start up again, members said they hope the annual tradition will be revived.

“It’s a good way to go over there and encourage them to keep going,” Larson said.

Recolonization of a fraternity is a long process, and the U of I chapter needs as much encouragement as ISU can give, he said.

“It’s exciting to start a tradition again,” said U of I Sigma Chi member Matt Puttman.

Puttman also said all the men at U of I’s Sigma Chi house are excited about the run and are looking forward to meeting the ISU members.

This year, U of I Sigma Chi members are participating by helping coordinate the event and giving ISU members a place to stay, Barchman said.

Next year, U of I Sigma Chi members will be running to Ames, and every year the tradition will continue with each house running every other year. Each year all of the proceeds will be given to the Children’s Miracle Network.

“It’s one more way in which Sigma Chi is helping to raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network,” Larson said. “It’s a great way to raise money for the kids who need it.”

Barchman said some of the guys are “a little apprehensive” about running, but he is optimistic. “I’m not quite the runner, but we’ll see how it goes,” he said.