The Lauren McCluskey Foundation held its fifth annual Race for Campus Safety on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026, at the University of Utah's McCarthey Family Track and Field Complex to raise awareness and funds for improving how colleges respond to relationship violence and stalking. The Halloween morning event brought together students, families, and advocates to honor the legacy of Lauren McCluskey through running and community festivities.
Race Distances and Course Details
The race, which commemorates the life and legacy of Lauren McCluskey, offered participants distances of 1K, 5K, and 10K. According to the University of Utah, the 5K and 10K courses start together, with 10K runners completing two laps of the 5K course. The routes wind through scenic campus paths, providing views of the Wasatch Mountains and iconic University landmarks.
Community Festival and Mascots
The event included a family-friendly festival featuring candy for trick-or-treating at vendor booths, yard games, and inflatable obstacle courses. Several local mascots were scheduled to appear, including Bumble the Bee from the Salt Lake Bees, Leo the Lion and Cleo the Lioness from Real Salt Lake, and the University of Utah's mascot, SWOOP.
Supporting Campus Safety Initiatives
Proceeds from registration fees and fundraising efforts support the Lauren McCluskey Foundation's national initiatives. These initiatives include research, advocacy, and programming aimed at enhancing campus safety and accountability. Specific programs funded by the foundation include free self-defense classes for women and girls, documentary screenings, educational events, therapy services for victims and survivors, and the development of resources like "Lauren's Promise"a commitment to listen and believe those threatened by violence.
Commitment to Campus Safety
The race serves as a platform for education and advocacy, with various organizations providing resources and information booths dedicated to preventing relationship violence and supporting survivors. Keith Squires, chief safety officer at the University of Utah and a member of the foundation's Board of Directors, stated that the fifth annual race reflects an ongoing commitment to building a campus community where everyone looks out for one another. Squires added that the event honors McCluskey's memory and reaffirms that every student, employee, and visitor deserves to feel safe, respected, and valued.
Participant Demographics and Growth
The 2026 event follows the success of the 2025 race, which welcomed more than 800 participants. This year's event was designed for participants of all ages and abilities, with no minimum or maximum age requirements. The course was noted to be stroller-friendly, allowing families with young children to navigate the event easily.
Event Schedule and Timing
The race program began at 9:00 a.m. with opening speakers and vendors. Following a pre-race warmup led by E'S Fitness at 9:50 a.m., the 1K race started at 10:00 a.m., while the 5K and 10K races commenced at 10:15 a.m. Laurel Race Timing served as the official timing partner for the event.
Registration and Participant Benefits
Registration for the 2026 event included various price points: $10 for the 1K and virtual races, $35 for the 5K, and $45 for the 10K. Participants who registered in person received a race shirt in their selected size and a finisher medal. The foundation also conducted weekly running shoe giveaways through Brooks Running for registered participants leading up to the race day.
