Presented by URI Department of Campus Recreation

Registration

Registration for the Run Into 2021 Virtual 5k begins January 13th and closes on February 14, 2021 at 11:59 pm. 

Complete your run/walk any time between January 15th through February 15th, 2021. You can submit as many entries as you’d like over the course of the race period, as long as they follow the requirements below.

Eligibility

In order to participate, you must be a URI undergraduate or graduate student, an incoming student, URI faculty/staff,  URI alumni, or URI community member and electronically sign the participation waiver included in the registration form. 

To be eligible for consideration of time-based prizes, you must have an electronic device that is compatible with a running app that logs your run. 

Please make sure that you consult with a doctor before completing the 5K. 

Race Details and Rules

The race must be completed in the given race period, between January 15th and February 15th. At least five kilometers (3.1 miles) must be completed in order to qualify as a valid entry. To record your entry, please use an app that reports your mapped route, distance, total time, and date.  Take a screenshot of your run and attach it to the linked Google Doc, completed with your information, to officially submit an entry. 

Some compatible free apps are: 

• Adidas Runtastic App (Android | iOS)
• Fitbit (Android | iOS)
• Map My Run (Android | iOS)
• Nike+ Run Club (Android | iOS)
• Runkeeper (Android | iOS)
• Strava (Android | iOS)

Participants may submit as many entries during the race period as they would like. Break up your 5k run/walk over multiple days, or complete the 5k distance multiple times! For prize purposes, only those times completed in one single run/walk of the entire 5-kilometer distance will be considered for time-based prizes. Submissions of less than 5 kilometers will still be eligible to win the other prize categories.

Important Links

Registration – if you haven’t registered yet, let’s go!

Submission Form – submit each of your 5k run/walks online for a chance to win a prize

Prizes & Eligibility

Submit your photo in the online submission form and share your photo on social media with the hashtag #rhody5k for a chance to win the top prize! The top prize will be given to the individual showing the most Rhody Spirit.

Prizes will also be awarded in the following categories 

• The highest number of 5k run/walk entries from one participant between January 15 – February 15, 2021
• Coldest temperature run/walk
• Warmest temperature run/walk
• Fastest overall time
• Best/most creative design on your running map
• We will also recognize our youngest & oldest participants 

There are no bonus prizes for going over the required five kilometers, but we encourage you to submit as many times as you’d like. There is no limit to submissions that can be submitted as long as they are sent within the time frame. 

Suggested Donation

Looking to run and donate? This race is intended to get the URI community up and moving during this pandemic. In lieu of a registration fee, we highly recommend donating to a local food pantry, nursing home, hospital, or other relief funds. 

Rhody Outpost – Food insecurity is a real challenge on college campuses today – it’s estimated that roughly 40 percent of college students are affected by it in the United States (see article). The Rhody Outpost food pantry was created to help address this issue at URI. If you are or know someone who is, a URI student who’s struggling to make ends meet, we are here for you.

Students First Fund – Unexpected events can create financial difficulties for students – difficulties that could affect them personally and academically. The Students First Fund has been created by the Division of Student Affairs to assist students facing a financial emergency or challenge, including tuition-related expenses. Through private contributions, the Students First Fund provides immediate support in cases of accident, illness, death of a family member, fire damage, or need for temporary housing. The fund may also assist students in situations of unexpected academic need or opportunity.

Route Ideas

The best part about a ‘Virtual’ 5K is that you can run your route anywhere! For anyone local to URI’s Kingston campus, we have a USATF approved 5K course right on our campus, complete with distinct mile markers and a fully paved path.

If you are local to South County, Rhode Island here are two great scenic options for potential routes:

Galilee/Point Judith

Starting at Roger Wheeler State Beach, making a loop on Sand Hill Cove Rd, Great Island Rd, Galilee Escape Rd, and Point Judith Rd (108). 

Narragansett Pier

Starting at the Sea Wall, making a loop around Ocean Rd, South Pier Rd, Lakewood Dr, and Narragansett Ave, around the Pier Marketplace and back down the Sea Wall.

If you’re not in the area, feel free to explore a local park, scenic drive, or a new area of your town or city! Your route can be wherever you want it to be. If you want to plan your route and its distance, use Google MyMaps or OntheGoMap to measure the distance online. 

**Please be sure to follow physical distancing guidelines and local regulations/closures while completing your run!**