Story by Da’Sha Tuck, Staff writer

Murray Swim Bike Run Club hosted a 5K in honor of the organization’s founder, the late Jim Carter.

Carter, who was also the former vice president of institutional advancement and former president of the alumni association, was brought to Murray State by chance.

Carter had a friend who was interested in the track team at the university and Carter gave him a ride to visit campus.

Carter had planned to attend a vocational school. His friend ended up going to a different institution but Carter found a home at Murray State that day.

On Feb. 13 of this year Carter died after a battle with kidney cancer. Other members of the Swim Bike Run Club hosted a 5K on Saturday in honor of Carter and raised money for Carter’s Kids on Campus.

Carter’s Kids on Campus is a project that brings first-generation high school seniors interested in higher education to Murray State to visit the campus.

“He felt like if he could get them here he could keep them here,” said Brady Parks, race manager and treasurer of the Swim Bike Run Club.

The students who benefit from the Carter’s Kids on Campus will come from the university’s 18-county service region and Daviess County, where Carter was from.

Each bus trip is estimated to cost $1,500, and the first trip will be next spring. The fund will cover transportation, campus events and meals.

Carter wanted to give potential students the opportunity to visit the campus so they could see what the university has to offer firsthand.

Abby Hensley, director of development for the Hudson School of Agriculture and special projects said Carter was heavily involved with the university for 30 years before his passing. She said he loved Murray State.

Parks said when Carter died at the beginning of the year, the Swim Bike Run Club wanted to honor him. Raising money for Carter’s Kids on Campus fund was just natural.

The Carter’s Kids on Campus 5K had 125 participants with ages ranging from six to 67. The 5K raised an estimated $5,000 and all proceeds will go to the fund.

The race began in front of the Carter Alumni Plaza, which was dedicated to Carter in October.

Parks said the Swim Bike Run Club did not have a goal amount, but they are happy with the outcome.

“If we can get students on campus they are more likely to fall in love with it versus just talking about the university,” Hensley said.

Parks said the organization will be involved in more fundraising events for Carter’s Kids on Campus to help them reach their overall goal of $100,000.

“We knew Jim as the Godfather of Swim Bike Run and he was always cheering our members to do their best,” Parks said. “We dedicate this run to you, Jim. We’ll continue to roll on.”