Events
Peaks and Professors 5k
Event Description
Peaks and Professors 5K
Saturday, October 24th | Red Square, University of Washington
Get ready for the most adventurous race of the quarter — the first-ever Peaks and Professors 5K! Lace up and join us for a scenic route around the University of Washington campus, starting and finishing in our very own Red Square (full route attached below).
📅 When: Saturday, October 24th, 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
📍 Where: UW Campus, starting & finishing at Red Square
🎽 Packet Pickup: 8:00 AM in Red Square
🏁 Race Start: 9:00 AM sharp, with a 90-minute time limit
Whether you're here to compete for the podium, jog alongside new friends and fellow hikers, or simply enjoy a scenic stroll around campus, this is the race for you.
🎉 Post-Race Party
Stick around after the race for live music, free snacks, Peaks and Professors merch, and tons of sponsored giveaways — all in Red Square!
Why It Matters
Peaks and Professors is a Registered Student Organization (RSO) and up-and-coming nonprofit at UW, on a mission to bridge the gap between academia and the outdoors. We lead students and faculty on accessible hikes, camping trips, and outdoor adventures across Western Washington — and this 5K is our biggest fundraiser of the year. Every dollar raised goes directly toward our outdoor education workshops and wilderness accessibility programs, breaking down financial barriers for students seeking time outside.
Come run, cheer, and celebrate with us — we can't wait to see you at the starting line!
FAQs
To avoid traffic and parking difficulties, we recommend taking public transit to campus if possible. Red Square (the starting/finish point of the race) is a short walk from the University District light rail station. Light rail service is available from 6 a.m. to midnight on Sundays. The UW campus is also served by many bus lines! Plan your trip.
Parking is available in the Central Plaza Garage under Red Square (enter from 15th Ave. NE), the Padelford Parking Garage (easy access from east campus entrance) and other lots across campus. Please allow for extra time if you plan to park on campus as the entrances may become congested and parking areas are not staffed. Learn more about parking on campus.
PLEASE NOTE: There is lots of road construction around UW campus. Check for shutdowns and traffic conditions before the race, and plan accordingly! WSDOT’s real-time map is a great resource. Additionally, the Revive I-5 project will have two lanes of Interstate 5 closed at the Ship Canal Bridge. Expect delays and give yourself extra time to travel.
We do not offer an official gear check at this event. Participants may leave personal items near the registration table at their own risk — Peaks and Professors and its volunteers are not liable for any lost, stolen, or damaged items. We recommend leaving valuables at home or arranging for a friend or family member to hold onto your belongings during the race.
Porta-potties will not be provided at the start/finish line or on course this year. Campus restrooms near Red Square will be available for use before the race — we recommend planning ahead, as facilities won't be accessible once you're on the route.
Both the start and finish are located in Red Square, right in the heart of campus. A full course map is available below — the route winds through UW's campus, with a water station/halfway point near the Burke-Gilman Trail area before looping back to Red Square.
Packet pickup begins at 8:00am on race day in Red Square!
Yes, race-day registration is available! It'll open at 8:00 AM in Red Square. That said, we recommend registering in advance if possible — it'll save you time on race morning and guarantees your spot (and swag)!
Contact Form
Have any additional questions? Feel free to contact us!
Event Location
University of Washington Campus
4069 Spokane Lane NE
Seattle, WA 98105 US
View Location on Map
