Tiger Brotherhood and Club Crew memorialize President Emeritus Edwards with downhill run

Published: April 19, 2012

By Aliza Darnell

CLEMSON — Clemson University’s Tiger Brotherhood and the Clemson Club Crew Team will host the 25^th Annual R.C. and Moonpie Downhill Run at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, April 28, starting at the President’s House and ending at the Esso Club.

The annual one-mile run raises money for charities and projects on the Clemson campus and in the community. In previous years, proceeds have been donated to a variety of efforts, including the maintenance of Woodland Cemetery (also known as Cemetery Hill) and the construction of the stone entrance gates welcoming visitors to the campus. 

This year’s proceeds will go to the building of the Riggs Pedestrian Bridge and History Walk, a plan to enhance the entrance to Riggs Field and allow safer access for pedestrians and fans. Funds from the race will benefit the History Walk portion of the project, which will highlight the Clemson life of Walter Merritt Riggs.

The race was named for the eighth president of Clemson College, Robert Cook Edwards, and his wife, Louise, for their contributions to student life and service to Clemson.

They were affectionately known by students and alumni as R.C. and “Moonpie,” referring to the snack that was said to be a perfect complement to “RC Cola.”

"It is such a privilege to be able to help sponsor such a wonderful Clemson event," said Tiger Brotherhood President William Qualkinbush. "Any opportunity we have to celebrate the heritage of the university and its heroes, like Dr. Edwards, is an opportunity to remember the fullness and richness with which he served this school and community for so many years.”

Participants have the option of running in the Downhill Mile or the Recreational Downhill Mile. Recreational runners will stop at TD’s halfway through the course to drink RC Cola and eat a Moonpie before finishing the second half of the run. At the end of the course, the Esso Club will provide a free beverage for participants who are 21 or older.

Awards will be given to the top Downhill Runners and to the organization with the most participants.

Registration is $15 for the Downhill Mile and $20 for the Recreational Downhill Mile. Participants may register on the day of the race at an increased rate.

"The RC and Moonpie Downhill Run has been a longstanding tradition in Clemson's history. It is a fun way for students from all organizations on campus to come together and celebrate their school,” said Courtney Adair, event coordinator. 

For more information and to register go to http://go-greenevents.com/event/id/423.

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