Lauren McCluskey Race Raises Campus Safety Funds
The fifth annual race at the University of Utah drew runners to support campus safety and awareness of relationship violence and stalking.
Updated on Nov. 1, 2026 in Running
The 5th annual Lauren McCluskey Race for Campus Safety was held at the University of Utah's McCarthey Family Track and Field in Salt Lake City. Runners competed in 1K, 5K and 10K races to raise awareness of relationship violence and stalking.
Why it matters
Proceeds from registration and fundraising support the Lauren McCluskey Foundation's national initiatives to enhance campus safety and accountability. The foundation was created to honor the murder of Lauren McCluskey.
The race grew from 45 participants in its first year to about 900 today, and offers 1K, 5K and 10K distances. Organizers did not report the total amount raised this year.
The players
Lauren McCluskey Foundation
The foundation was created to honor the murder of Lauren McCluskey and works on national campus safety and accountability initiatives.
University of Utah
The public research university in Salt Lake City hosted the race at its McCarthey Family Track and Field.
The details
The race featured community partner mascots including Bumble the Bee, Leo the Lion, Cleo the Lioness and SWOOP. Vendor booths offered trick-or-treating for kids this year.
Timeline
Unspecified year: first annual race held with 45 participants.
October 31, 2026: fifth annual race held with trick-or-treating for kids.
Season Trajectory
The fifth annual race shows how a memorial event grown from 45 runners to roughly 900 has become an annual campus safety fundraiser in Salt Lake City. Its growth reflects the foundation's continued push for campus safety accountability.
Runners can register for the 1K, 5K and 10K distances at the McCarthey Family Track and Field to join future races. Registration fees directly support the foundation's campus safety work.
The takeaway
Community events that combine athletics with advocacy can turn local participation into lasting support for safety causes. Attending or sponsoring such races is a practical way to contribute.
Further reading
For more local race coverage, see Running in Salt Lake City.
