The Colorado State University Department of Health and Exercise Science is proud to announce that the Homecoming 5K Race is once again joining the Homecoming festivities on Saturday, Oct. 14, with an 8 a.m. start time.
Classic Oval course
The Homecoming 5K invites runners back to the classic course, which starts and ends under the stunning fall colors of the Oval. The 5K race is open to all abilities, ages and identities, and welcomes students, staff, parents, alumni and community members. The event includes a Kids Fun Run around the Oval at 9 a.m., which will be followed by the awards ceremony. After the race, participants will enjoy food, booths, and festivities on Isotope Drive, west of the Oval.
Virtual runners welcomed back
Ram fans and running enthusiasts around the world kept the Homecoming 5K tradition strong with virtual participation starting in 2020, and since then the department has maintained the virtual option. Those who run the race virtually will submit their times during the week of Homecoming through the beginning of the race festivities on Oct. 14. Virtual racers will be able to submit their times this year directly to the RunSignUp website. Virtual runners may also submit photos of themselves or their teams and are eligible for random drawing prizes as well as photo-themed prizes. Photos shared may be uploaded to the website and social media; virtual runners must notify the department if they wish to opt out of sharing.
Supporting scholastic excellence
The beneficiary of the 43rd annual Homecoming 5K is a new scholarship fund, the Alonso Quijano Research Scholars Fund. Race proceeds will support up to 10 Alonso Quijano Research Scholars per year to provide hands-on training in research labs, outreach programs, and academic support roles at CSU or a nonprofit partner of the Department of Health and Exercise Science. One benefit of this new scholarship is to allow financially vulnerable students who need paid employment to support their education to have a job that accentuates their academic career rather than taking time away from it. The goal is to provide students with advanced skills that will set them apart when entering the next phase of their professional journey.
Registration is open
Registration for virtual and in-person runners is open online. Runners can select their t-shirt size and whether they plan to participate virtually or in person. Racers can pick up their race packets at Festival on the Oval on Oct. 13 from 3-6 p.m. or beginning at 6:30 a.m. on race day at Race Central, located on the Isotope Drive Plaza. The department expects a high turnout at both pickup events, so participants are encouraged to plan ample time to gather their packets and prepare for the race start.
Early bird registration is $40 for adults and $30 for students and youth runners 17 and under through Oct. 1. Pre-registration from Oct. 1-13 is $45 for adult runners and $30 for students and youth runners. Online registration will close on the evening of Oct. 13. Race day registration will be $50 for adult runners and $35 for students and youth runners, and same-day registration can be completed at Runners Central on the Oval.
Groups of 10 or more are eligible for a 10% group discount. Email homecoming5k@colostate.edu to register and receive the group rate. Requests for groups must be received by Friday, Oct. 6, for proper processing and discount.
For continual updates and tips, see the Homecoming 5K website and follow @csuhes on Facebook, X and Instagram.
The Department of Health and Exercise Science is part of CSU’s College of Health and Human Sciences.
