The Race for Campus Safety proudly offers both 5K and 10K events for runners and walkers who want to take a more active role in the day’s activities while supporting the mission of the Lauren McCluskey Foundation. Designed to welcome participants of all ages and experience levels, these events combine fitness, community engagement, and campus safety awareness in a supportive and encouraging environment.

The 5K course features a scenic single-loop route through the eastern portion of Washington State University’s campus. Along the way, participants will pass several recognizable campus landmarks, including Ferdinand’s Ice Cream Shop and the Bear Center, while experiencing a course that blends paved roads, pedestrian pathways, and a short gravel section along Animal Science Road. The route includes a mix of flat stretches and gradual inclines, creating an enjoyable and accessible challenge for both casual walkers and experienced runners.

For participants seeking a longer distance and additional challenge, the 10K event consists of two laps of the same 5K course. This format allows runners to enjoy the scenic route twice while benefiting from the same well-organized, volunteer-supported environment throughout the race. Both the 5K and 10K events will be professionally chip-timed, ensuring accurate race results and a smooth participant experience. Volunteers and course marshals will be positioned throughout the route to provide directions, encouragement, and assistance while helping maintain participant safety from start to finish.

To improve race flow and participant safety, this year’s event will feature an updated race start configuration designed specifically to reduce congestion near the intersection of Grimes Way and Stadium Way. In previous years, participants exited the WSU VETMED parking lot, turned left onto Stadium Way, crossed Grimes Way, and continued along the sidewalk between Grimes Way and Wilson Road. This section of the course frequently became crowded at the beginning of the race, creating bottlenecks and limiting runners’ ability to spread out naturally.

For the 2026 race, the start route has been redesigned to create a smoother, more efficient start for all participants. Instead of turning left out of the WSU VETMED parking lot, runners and walkers will now turn right onto Grimes Way and proceed east toward Lincoln Drive. Participants will then turn left onto Lincoln Drive, continue to Wilson Road, and turn right onto Wilson Road to reconnect with the existing course. This revised route is expected to significantly reduce congestion early in both races, improve participant flow, and provide a safer and more comfortable start experience for everyone involved.

With scenic campus views, strong volunteer support, improved race logistics, and meaningful community involvement, the Race for Campus Safety continues to provide an impactful and memorable event for participants while advancing awareness and advocacy for campus safety nationwide.

The Race for Campus Safety 1K is a fun, welcoming, and accessible event designed to encourage participation from individuals and families of all ages and ability levels. Held within the WSU VETMED parking lot, the 1K provides a safe and supportive environment for participants who want to be part of race day activities without committing to the longer 5K or 10K distances.

The course consists of two laps around a flat, paved loop, making it ideal for children, families, beginner runners, walkers, and community members seeking a relaxed and enjoyable experience. The simple course layout allows participants to easily follow the route while remaining surrounded by volunteers, spectators, and fellow participants throughout the event.

To create an engaging and age-appropriate experience, participants are divided into two primary groups. The first group is a youth fun run specifically designed for children ages 12 and under. This portion of the event gives younger participants an opportunity to actively participate in the day’s activities, build confidence, and enjoy a positive race experience in a safe and encouraging setting. Families and supporters are encouraged to cheer on participants as they complete the course and celebrate their involvement in promoting campus safety awareness.

The second group welcomes adults and community members who wish to participate in the event at a more casual level. For many participants, the 1K offers a meaningful way to support the mission of the Lauren McCluskey Foundation without the physical demands of completing a 5K or 10K race. Whether participants choose to walk, jog, or lightly run the course, the event emphasizes community involvement, inclusivity, and shared support for safer campuses.

The route will be clearly marked, and volunteers will be stationed throughout the course to provide guidance, encouragement, and assistance as needed. With its family-friendly atmosphere and accessible design, the 1K event serves as an important part of the Race for Campus Safety by creating opportunities for broader community participation while reinforcing the event’s mission of awareness, advocacy, and connection.