Get in step with the newest addition to Alvernia's Homecoming and Family Weekend: the Pack Dash 5K. The race snakes through Alvernia's Hill Campus, offering a running tour of the university's gorgeous grounds. 

Proceeds from the Pack Dash will benefit the Hope Fund, a critical resource that assists students facing unexpected hardships, including food and housing insecurity, transportation challenges, and emergency medical expenses. The race will also support Clare's Cupboard, Alvernia University's campus pantry, which provides free non-perishable food items and personal care products to students in need.

What: 5K run and 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk
When: Sunday, October 11, 2026
Where: Alvernia University
Race will begin and end at the Student Center building

Schedule of Events

• 9:00AM: Check In
• 9:45AM: Opening Remarks
• 10:00AM: 5K Race Begins
• 10:45AM: 1 Mile Race Begins

5K Early Registration: $25
Deadline for Early Registration: Friday September 11
Tshirt size Guarantee

5K Late Registration: $30
Late Registration begins Saturday September 12
Extra tshirts day of event; first come, first served

1 Mile Early Registration: $15
Deadline for Early Registration: Friday September 11
Swag bag guarantee

1 Mile Late Registration: $20
Late Registration begins Saturday September 12
Extra Swag bags day of event; first come first served

Race Benefits: Race Tshirt (only available for 5K participants), Race Swag Bag and Raffle Prizes (tickets available for purchase the day of the race). 

Prizes and Contests:
Top Male and Top Female times receives trophy.
Top three times in each age category receive a medal:

• 19 and under
• 20-29
• 30-39
• 40-49
• 50-59
• 60-69
• 70 and above

Raffle Prizes

• $2 for 1 ticket
• $5 for 3 tickets
• $10 for 10 tickets
• $15 for 20 tickets

Clare's Cupboard Food Pantry Donations:
We will be accepting donations for Alvernia's food pantry on the day of the race. If you bring donations you will receive extra raffle ticket. Please do not bring anything expired!

• Protein or granola bars
• Oatmeal cup or packets
• Breakfast cereals
• Microwavable instant cup meals (e.g., rice, pasta, ramen, mashed potatoes)
• Fruit, pudding, and applesauce cups
• Fruit snacks
• Peanut butter or cheese sandwich crackers
• Protein shakes
• Bottled Water
• Pretzels, Cheez-It-Crackers, popcorn, trail mix
• Tuna salad and chicken salad snack kits
• Feminine hygiene products
• Toiletries (e.g., soap, deodorant, razors, shampoo, toothbrushes, and toothpaste)
• School supplies