Registration Open for June 8 Triton 5K

‘Reimagined’ campus tradition benefits scholarships, features new activities and revised course

Photos by Erik Jepsen/UC San Diego Publications

Join Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla and members of the UC San Diego community on Saturday, June 8 for the Triton 5K: Race for the Future, a reimagined Chancellor’s Challenge 5K Run/Walk for scholars. While supporting student scholarships, participants will enjoy a 3.1 mile adventure through campus—past King Triton, the world-famous Geisel Library and many of the renowned public artworks of the Stuart Collection, including “Sun God” by artist Niki de Saint Phalle, Tim Hawkinson’s 23-foot-high stone “Bear,” and the “Fallen Star” house, by Do Ho Suh, precariously perched atop Jacobs Hall.

For the first time, the Triton 5K will be sanctioned by USA Track and Field (USATF). The race, open to the UC San Diego campus community as well as the general public, was moved from October to June to become an integral part of Alumni Weekend, June 6-9. The 5K will now feature a festival, Kids Fun Run, campus programs to help runners train and an opportunity for alumni who can’t make it back to San Diego to participate in a ‘virtual race’.

Established in 1996, the annual run/walk event is a longstanding campus tradition that has raised more than $3 million, benefiting more than 900 motivated and ambitious students with scholarship support. All proceeds from the 2013 Triton 5K will fund student scholarships.

“The Triton 5K has been a campus tradition for 17 years, raising money for student scholarships and ensuring that promising, bright students have access to a world-class UC San Diego education,” said Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla. “I’m delighted it will now be a centerpiece of Alumni Weekend, allowing more alumni and friends to participate.”

Conrad Holda, ’16, is a freshman planning to major in aerospace engineering. He chose to attend UC San Diego over UCLA and UC Berkeley largely because of the Chancellor’s Scholarship he received, which is supported by the 5K.

“I don’t know how to express my gratitude,” said Holda. “With scholarship support, I am able to focus more on my studies and service, with less concern about my financial situation. Thanks to Triton 5K donors and participants, I will have a memorable college experience that will help me grow as an engineer.

Participants are encouraged to register soon. Early Bird pricing for the Triton 5K is $15 for members of the UC San Diego community, including faculty, staff, alumni and parents of current students and $30 for all others, or non-affiliates. Pricing will increase by $5 when Early Bird pricing expires on April 15. All current high school and university students are $10. Day-of registration may be subject to increased registration fees and are subject to availability. Racers are encouraged to register as an individual, or create a team of 10 or more by visiting 5k.ucsd.edu.

The Triton5K will begin at 9 a.m. at North Point Lane on the campus of UC San Diego, next to the Track & Field Stadium, and will continue on a scenic course through the UC San Diego campus. Participants may run or walk the timed course; a camera feed and live tweets will be featured on the scoreboard during the race for spectators in the stadium. The race will utilize a wave start (runners, walkers and strollers will be grouped according to their pace). Wave starts allow for plenty of space along the course without affecting individual “chip” time, the actual amount of time it takes a runner to go from the starting line of a race to the finish line.

New to this year’s event is the Kids Fun Run. This kid-friendly short course features a 100-meter dash with King Triton, wave starts based on age groups, a Triton Treasure Hunt and medals for children who complete the course. This event is designed for families with children 12 and under. The advance fee for the Kids Fun Run is $15 per family for up to four children.

Following the race, participants and spectators can enjoy a festival with live music, healthy living fair and Runners Market, among other activities. To encourage runners to participate in the race, the University of California Staywell program allows eligible employees to earn 25 points, while The Road to Readiness Program will help all levels of runners and walkers get in shape for the race. Beginning April 17, this eight-week UC San Diego program, presented by Human Resources, will help runners and walkers of all abilities to be ready to participate in either their first race or achieve a new record.

Organizers of the Triton 5K are also seeking volunteers to help with the event. Volunteers will receive a free “Race Crew” T-shirt and community service hours. Please email info@sandyfeetevents.com or visit the volunteer page on the Triton 5K website if you would like to help.

For complete information about the Triton 5K, including registration, festival activities, sponsorships and more, visit 5k.ucsd.edu.

The Triton 5K is one of several events held during the fifth annual Alumni Weekend: Imagine More, June 6-9. This four-day event series invites alumni, friends and family to be challenged by new ideas at events like Taste of UCSD, marvel at the mysteries of the ocean at Family Night at Birch Aquarium, and reconnect with fellow alumni at a reunion.