Montana Tech’s SWEet Race to Support Women in Engineering and Breast Cancer Awareness

Montana Technological University’s Society of Women Engineers (SWE) is inviting the campus and Butte community to lace up their running shoes for a good cause at this year’s SWEet Race Fundraiser on Saturday, October 18, 2025.

Electrical engineering junior, Hannah Gingery, from Havre, is organizing the race in her role as vice-president of SWE.

“This event is one of our favorite ways to bring the community together,” Gingery said. “It combines fitness, fun, and fundraising for two causes we care deeply about—empowering women in STEM and supporting those impacted by breast cancer.”

The event, which features both a 5K race and a 1-mile fun run, will take place along the Blacktail Loop at 45 Three Bears Drive in Butte. Runners and walkers of all ages are welcome, with registration open until 9 a.m. the morning of the race. The route offers a relatively flat, paved course with scenic views—perfect for beginners and experienced runners alike.

This year’s SWEet Race will not only support Montana Tech’s Society of Women Engineers chapter but also raise funds for an important cause. Half of all proceeds will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Last year SWE was able to raise $1,700 for the cause. This year, they would like to raise $2,000.

SWE members raised awareness about the event at the Butte Farmers Market in September, and Gingery was very touched when a local community member came up to the table and shared their story of a recent diagnosis of breast cancer. Gingery gave the woman a free shirt, and teared up at the encounter.

“This is who the event is for,” Gingery said. “Almost everyone knows someone who’s been affected by breast cancer. That personal connection makes this event really meaningful.”

Participants can register for $25 (or $15 for ages 17 and under), and the first 15 to sign up will receive a free event t-shirt. Both races will be held from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Breakfast will be served for the runners. Prizes will be awarded for the first-place finishers in three categories. Gingery expressed gratitude to all the local businesses who have donated to the race.

“It’s great to see local businesses get involved,” Gingery said. “It shows how much Butte supports both Montana Tech students and the larger cause we’re running for.”

The SWEet Race has become an annual tradition for Montana Tech’s SWE chapter, offering students a chance to organize a large-scale community event while advocating for women in engineering and science. Half of the proceeds help SWE members participate in professional development at an annual conference.

This year 10 SWE members will attend the Women in Engineering Conference in New Orleans. Gingery attended last year’s conference in Chicago and says the sessions held are insightful and include topics relevant to the industry. Montana Tech SWE members have landed post-graduation jobs at the Career Fair held at the conference. Gingery says networking and making connections with other women engineers is important.

“SWE has given me a sense of belonging,” Gingery said. “It’s a space where we can connect with other women who understand what it’s like to be in a male-dominated field.”

For more information about the race or to register, visit the SWEet Race event page or contact Gingery at hgingery@mtech.edu.