This year will mark the second annual Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah 5K, started by his wife Cissy Cochran, to benefit cystic fibrosis and the Thomas Plott Foundation. Cochran started the race last year after her son befriended Thomas Plott, leading Cochran to form a friendship with his mother, Blair. While running together, the two brainstormed an event that could further support the foundation.
“Just from running, we thought a race would be fun, and from there we just hashed it out,” Cochran said.
Cochran spoke with her husband about her idea, and though she had never hosted a race or a similar event before, the pair decided that it would be an opportunity to give back to the community they have called home for so many years.
“I said, ‘It’s been fun living here in Tuscaloosa, and we’ve had so many friends, it’s such a good place to live and the community has been great, so it would be fun to give something back,’” she said. “Having him start the race as an honorary starter…he agreed with it, and said it sounded like a great idea.”
Last year’s event saw 490 runners cross the finish line, and 100 additional people sign up for the race. A contest was held to see which Greek organization could register the most runners for the event, with sororities winning a donation to their philanthropy and fraternities winning a speaking engagement with coach Cochran. Overall, the event raised $25,000 to benefit cystic fibrosis research and the Thomas Plott Foundation.
This year, Cochran expects an even stronger turnout now that the race is in its second year. Like last year, this year’s title sponsor also shares a football affiliation, as Nick’s Kids has again partnered with the event. Local retailer Expeditions has also partnered with the event for a second year, after hosting a pick-up day for last year’s event.
Store manager Courtney Kovar said Expeditions enjoys showing support for the community when given the opportunity, especially for a cause such as this.
“We felt a need to support something that’s such a great cause, and definitely to get people active,” Kovar said. “You want, as far as a company, to be involved in the community and for people to see that you care about the community and your customers.”
This year’s race will be held Aug. 22 at Government Plaza, and will begin at 8 a.m. Participants sign up online at plottfoundation.org. Advanced registration costs $30, while registration day-of will cost $40. This year’s event will also include a one-mile fun run for children.
