No matter where you live, you are invited to join your Vulcans family for the second annual event, which is part of 'Homecoming@Home.'
It won’t be run on a campus-loop course this year, but the Vulcan 5K is still on as part of “Homecoming@Home,” Cal U’s virtual celebration during remote operations for fall.
The race, which became part of Cal U Homecoming events for the first time in 2019, will take place this year on Oct. 11.
Runners and walkers are invited to participate in the virtual Vulcan 5K and get their 3.1 miles in from wherever they are. Visit calu.edu/homecoming to register. Cost is $25, and proceeds benefit the Class of 2020 Endowed Scholarship Fund to benefit future students.
"This is a fun run/walk, so folks can submit their times if they'd like, but it's not required," said Ryan Barnhart, director of Alumni Relations. "We encourage everyone to participate on Oct. 11, but participation is allowed through Oct. 31."
Participants can visit calu.edu/homecoming to register for the 5K. Runners and walkers will receive a 2020 race T-shirt and a commemorative 2020 race medal. The registration deadline to receive those items is Oct. 11.
For a complete list of “Homecoming@Home” events, visit calu.edu/homecoming. Virtual Homecoming is Oct. 5-11 this year.
Dr. Michael Perrotti is a veteran of the Boston, New York and Chicago marathons and has run more than 25 half-marathons. He ran the Boston Marathon virtually this year and is excited for a new twist to the Vulcan 5K.
“We are a connected family,” the associate professor of education said. “Nothing shows our connectedness like Homecoming, when we can meet our friends, students can connect with alumni and we can all celebrate the history and heritage of the University.
“Running this 5K virtually is a way to keep a tradition going in a socially responsible way that we all embrace as runners and as people.”
Participants can view an online list of participants, adding to a sense of belonging to the larger Cal U community.
“In a way, this might increase our connectedness,” Perrotti said. “Anybody from anywhere around the country and even around the world can do this and share it in an online setting.
“We can’t be together, but share in our accomplishment together.”