More than 800 participants gathered at the University of Utah on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026, for the fifth annual Run for Campus Safety, setting a record attendance for the event held in honor of student-athlete Lauren McCluskey. The race, which supports the Lauren McCluskey Foundation, aims to raise awareness and funds to improve how universities respond to stalking and relationship violence.
A Record Gathering for Safety
The event, held at the McCarthy Family Track and Field Complex, brought together students, university employees, community members, and families to honor the legacy of McCluskey. Participants took part in 1K, 5K, and 10K routes to support the foundation's mission of advancing campus safety, accountability, and student well-being, according to organizers.
A Mother's Legacy
Jill McCluskey, the mother of Lauren McCluskey, attended the race and noted the profound community support surrounding the initiative. She said the event brings back memories of watching her daughter compete as a University of Utah student-athlete on the same track. McCluskey said she felt inspired by the visible changes occurring on campus and was reunited with several of Lauren's former teammates who competed alongside her daughter during her time at the university.
Rooted in Tragedy and Reform
The Lauren McCluskey Foundation supports the race by advocating for the belief and support of individuals who report harassment, abuse, or other concerns. This mission is rooted in Lauren's own experience; she had repeatedly reported concerns to university police regarding a man who had stalked and attempted to extort her before shooting and killing her on campus on Oct. 22, 2018. The tragedy, which prompted significant scrutiny of the university's response, later resulted in multimillion-dollar legal settlements with the University of Utah after the institution acknowledged failures in how Lauren's reports were handled.
Institutional Changes and Safety
University of Utah Chief Safety Officer Keith Squires stated that the department has undergone significant changes in people, culture, and commitment to safety since the 2018 killing. Squires, who was initially brought in to conduct an independent review of the university's response to the incident, noted that the department is now a completely different entity than it was previously. He described the run as an opportunity to turn a devastating tragedy into a positive force for safety for everyone.
The Lauren Promise
One specific initiative mentioned by university officials is the Lauren Promise, an effort designed to encourage people to believe and support those who come forward for help. Student Brittany Ramirez said the message of support is becoming a visible part of campus life, noting that professors and sororities frequently discuss the importance of the initiative.
Setting a National Standard
The race is part of a broader effort by the University of Utah Department of Public Safety to improve campus safety through outreach and transparency. University President Taylor Randall said the department's goal is to set a national standard for safety practices at a public university, emphasizing that dedication to transparency is foundational to their work. The university has previously used conferences, such as one held on March 1, to share lessons learned from past mistakes and best practices to improve safety across the state.
Community Engagement
The 2026 race featured various community resources and interactive activities, including an inflatable obstacle course and yard games. Attendees also had opportunities to meet mascots, including the University of Utah's SWOOP, as well as Bumble the Bee from the Salt Lake Bees and Leo and Cleo from Real Salt Lake.
