In addition to being home to many great people, Purdue is home to a number of different traditions. These traditions range from trivial matters such as not walking under the bell tower for fear that whoever does will not graduate in four years, to the Grand Prix, a 50-mile student go-kart race dubbed "The Greatest Spectacle in College Racing.” Among these odd, yet important traditions there is the famous fountain run. You may be wondering what is a fountain run? Well, a fountain run consists of quarter mile sprint through Purdue’s four or five main fountains. The number depends on what you decide to count as a fountain. Nevertheless, every participant is supposed to run around each fountain three times before moving on to the next fountain. The order of the fountains does not really matter, but historically students finish at either Loeb Fountain or the Engineering Fountain where they can proceed to take a picture. Furthermore, note that although it is not necessary, designating one participant to carry an American flag is suggested, as it gives everybody someone to follow, and makes the entire experience more patriotic. Now you may be wondering why should you get soaking wet for the sake of a tradition? There are several answers to this question. First of all, completing a fountain run is a rite of passage. It symbolizes a new student’s initiation into the Purdue community. Additionally, running a fountain run is a bonding experience. It is a great way to make friends in the awkward transition period that is the first week of school. Not to mention, a fountain run is an extremely effective way to cool down after walking in the burning hot sun all day. In fact, many people will complete more than one fountain run simply to escape the heat. Thus, running a fountain run is a great way to become part of a Purdue tradition, make friends, and cool down on a hot summer day so if you get the chance to run one definitely do not pass it up.
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