Saturday, May 2, 2020
For Kentuckians and Kentuckians at heart, the first Saturday in May has been circled on our calendars for months. While the horses won’t be racing until September this year, that doesn’t mean you can’t! Join the UK Alumni Association for a VIRTUAL 5K full of Kentucky spirit. We invite you to sign up to run, walk, roll or crawl a 5K (3.1 miles) on the day formerly known as Derby Day.
For many of our Alumni Clubs, this was a day where UK alumni and friends would gather all over the country for Derby parties. While we cannot gather in person, we can carry on in the spirit of camaraderie by participating in the UK Alumni Association’s First Saturday in May Virtual 5K.
Participation in the First Saturday in May Virtual 5K is FREE and open to all UK alumni, family members and friends. We hope you will all join us! Everyone who signs up will receive a virtual runner's bib and a certificate of participation that can be downloaded and printed. Participants, who are interested, are encouraged to donate to the University of Kentucky’s Basic Needs and Persistence Fund*. All participants who make a donation of any amount to the Basic Needs and Persistence Fund will receive a physical certificate and UK Alumni metal keychain by mail.
What is a virtual run? A virtual run can be completed at any location and any time during the open event date. Simply choose your location then run, walk, jog or even hop on the treadmill to complete the 5K at your own pace. Submit a picture of you in your best University of Kentucky or Derby gear (or both!) for a chance to be featured on the UK Alumni Association social media accounts. You can submit photos to ukalumni@uky.edu or by using #FirstSaturdayinMayVirtual5K on social media.
This event is being organized to promote a healthy and active lifestyle while practicing responsible social distancing. For information on the CDC’s guidance related to COVID-19 best practices, click here.
*The Basic Needs and Persistence Fund is the primary mechanism to help UK students who are experiencing critical need and hardships as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This fund provides services and support for students experiencing varying degrees of uncertainty around basic needs and/or financial distress, which may otherwise prevent them from continuing their education. The importance of this fund and the impact it can have only grows during times of crisis.