“Hit the Bricks,” a campus tradition funding cancer research where teams race to accumulate the most laps around the brick perimeter of Hearn Plaza, celebrated its 35th year with its largest participation to date. Around 100 groups of students and faculty, many wearing backpacks weighted by sand, ran through rain and shine for eight hours on Oct. 1 to raise over $30,000 in honor of Brian Piccolo, a Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame member who played professional football for four years for the Chicago Bears. Special themed competition laps, such as the popular “anything but feet” lap, and music and performances kept runners motivated throughout the day. The event concluded with a silent, commemorative walking lap by all participants and a ceremony giving those who have been affected by cancer the opportunity to share their story and honor Piccolo together.

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All photos by Natalie Wilson/Old Gold & Black