CSU’s 37th annual Homecoming 5K is offering participants a new course – and a chance to give a final farewell to Hughes Stadium.
The popular 5K race, which annually attracts 2,000 or more participants, is set for 8 a.m. Oct. 14 at Hughes Stadium. This year’s course is a departure from the race’s traditional home on the CSU Oval. The race was moved to accommodate game-day activities at CSU’s new on-campus stadium.
“Moving the race has presented some challenges but we’re confident people will really like the flat, fast course out at Hughes,” said race director Brian Butki, an assistant professor in the Department of Health and Exercise Science. “This will be the last scheduled event at Hughes, which makes our race pretty special, and runners and walkers will get to experience a new challenge.”
Fun challenge
Butki said the course will be similar to a cross-country course, with stretches of pavement and gravel and some small hills. Participants will go around the stadium twice. There is plenty of free parking available at the site. A free Kids Fun Run will take place at 9 a.m. and will also circle the stadium.
Proceeds from the race benefit CSU’s Heart Disease Prevention Program, which screens people for the presence or likely risk of heart disease and promotes healthy lifestyle changes. A strong focus is preventing heart disease in firefighters, a frequent cause of premature death in that profession.
Win-win for campus
“This race is a win-win for our campus,” Butki said. “Our Heart Disease Prevention Program benefits the community and the program gives students valuable training for future careers.”
Online registration is open, or you can sign up at the Health and Exercise Science main office, Moby 220B, 915W. Plum St. CSU students and kids 12-under can sign up for $20, while participants 12 and older cost $25. Race-day registration is $35. Registration includes the much sought-after Homecoming 5K long-sleeve T-shirt.
The Department of Health and Exercise Science is part of CSU’s College of Health and Human Sciences.
