Little Fifty date set

Get the running shoes ready, and start training. \nThe 2004 Little Fifty will take place Sunday, April 18, the IU Student Foundation has announced. \nBecause of the success the inaugural race garnered last year, IUSF has placed the race as the kickoff for Little 500 week festivities, moving it a week closer to Little 500, compared to last year.\n"I think the date of this year's race will bring more attention to the event since it's kicking off Little 500 weekend," said Runners Council member and Mercury team member senior Andrew Elliott. \nThe race will be Olympic themed, with each team having their own flag.\nThe race is 50 laps, run at the 400-meter Robert C. Haugh Track and Field Complex -- totalling 12.5 miles.\nLast year's race had over 2,000 people in attendance, a number the IUSF Steering Committee is hoping to increase this year. \nThe field can hold a maximum of 25 four-member teams in both the men's and women's races. Last year, there were 23 men's teams and 21 women's teams. \nAccording to Little Fifty Steering Committee member senior Emily Diefendorf, a few changes have been made to this year's race.\n"We hope to diversify the race by only allowing one team per housing unit and greek house," she said. \nTeams from dorms will be able to enter one team per floor. This was done, said Diefendorf, so as many students can participate that want to. \nSince the race is a philanthropic event, each team will be paired up with a local philanthropy. The IUSF will donate $250 to the winning teams' philanthropic pair. \nIUSF is holding a call-out meeting tonight at 7 p.m. in Psychology 100. \n-- Contact sports editor Josh Weinfuss at jweinfus@indiana.edu.