Students, staff and community members will be running for Pi; not the edible kind but that of a 3.14-mile race on Saturday.

This complex number of infinite digits will be the theme and the distance of the Math and Computer Science Club’s first Pi Run and bags tournament.

Scott Roszyk, a senior mathematics major and treasurer of the club, introduced the idea of a Pi Run at one of the club’s meetings after hearing about a similar event at the University of Minnesota.

“I brought up the idea actually last year,” Roszyk said. “They all got really excited about it.”

The club agreed on a decision to donate half of the proceeds from the race and bags competition to Relay for Life.

“I’m hoping we’ll raise a lot,” Roszyk said.

President Bill Perry will start the race at 10 a.m. on the Panther Trail. The distance of 3.14 miles was measured with a measuring wheel borrowed from the cross-country team.

“I actually booked him (Perry) last semester,” Roszyk said.

Nancy VanCleave, a mathematics professor and adviser to the club, said she is also hoping for success.

“I’m very proud of their efforts and plan to be there Saturday to help in any way I can to make this a successful event,”

VanCleave said. “Hannah (Wilson) and her team of students have been in charge from day one and done all the work involved.”

Hannah Wilson, president of the Mathematics and Computer Science Club, was described by VanCleave as the “driving force behind the Pi Run.”

“No matter what the weather is, we’re going through with it,” Wilson said.

The race, currently consisting of 45 competitors, is still open for more. Registration will be open through Saturday.

Wilson said she hopes people will become more aware of the club.

“A lot of people hate math, so hopefully they’ll get a different idea of it,” Wilson said.

Roszyk also hopes students will learn more about math majors in general.

“Even though we’re math majors, we still know how to have fun too,” Roszyk said. “Hopefully we’ll get more people interested in the Math and Computer Science Club.

Race day registration and check in will be at the starting line, the field behind the W lot, if weather permits or McAfee Gym 9 to 9:30 a.m. Registration fees consist of $15 for pre-registered adults, $20 for adults registering the day of the race and $10 for children.

Registration forms for the race can be found here.

After the race, trophies for the fastest runners and attendance prizes will be given out to participants.

Sam Bohne can be reached at 581-7942 or at shbohne@eiu.edu