On-Campus Race Information

In addition to doing the things in the Race Director's Primer, the Race Director of an on-campus race needs to get things approved by various on-campus authorities. Here's a list things you should do to prepare for an on-campus race:

  1. Choose a course. This should be done in consultation with University officials (see below). If you are planning a 5K race, we suggest you use the USATF Certified Campus Loop 5K course. Another very good course is the Arts Festival 5K Course. And another popular course, similar to the Arts Fest 5K, is the "Fast" Campus 5K Course. If you can't use any of theses courses (see 2 below), or would like to try something different, read the item in the Primer on Course Planning. The NVRC can also make suggestions for other on-campus routes. Contact Marty Mazur at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.
  2. Check the University Park calendar at http://www.events.psu.edu/ and make sure your date does not coincide with other important University dates. It is generally not possible to have more than one 5K on campus per day. And Penn State no longer allows races to be run on campus on either day of a home football weekend.
  3. If you are an off-campus organization, contact Linda Padisak at the Office of University Relations, 222A Ritenour Building, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. She will direct you on how to OK your race plans with the University. Campus organizations need to plan their races through the HUB Event Management Office, 125 HUB-Robeson Center, 865-7973, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
  4. Once you have approval you then need to contact Police Services (865-1864) and let them know the route.
  5. If you are using campus EMS services contact University Health Services Health Services (865-1772)
  6. You may be able to use some University equipment (e.g tables). Contact Colleen Ross (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) in the Office of the Physical Plant for more information.
  7. Contact Bob Ricketts in the Kinesiology Department at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. He can help you promote your race among students.
  8. Promote your race among as many campus organizations as possible. Suggestions include the Triathlon Club, Nittany Spiked Shoe, the Cross-Country Club, other sports clubs, the Intra-Fraternity Council, etc.

Todd Baney has directed the April Fools 5K on campus for a few years. The April Fools race is run on the "Fast" Campus 5K Course and used the Spikes stadium, Lubrano Park, as its base of operations. Todd adds some points to the above from his own experience here.