UK5K Presented by Kroger Simple Truth Set for April 20

LEXINGTON, Ky. – It’s back and better than ever as UK Athletics will host the UK5K presented by Kroger Simple Truth the morning of Saturday, April 20. The race will begin and end at Kroger Field and guide participants through various athletic facilities on south campus.

“This is one of our favorite events of the year and we have made it bigger and better this year as a UK5K,” said Nathan Schwake, associate athletics director for marketing and licensing. “We could not put something like this together without the amazing support from Kroger and Girls on the Run Central Kentucky. They both work diligently with us to put this exciting event together. We can’t wait to have Big Blue Nation on campus for a fun and exciting community event that highlights some of the nation’s best collegiate athletic facilities.”

Registration is open now at UKathletics.com/UK5K2024 with three pricing categories. Registration is $35 for adults (18 years old and over) and $30 for youth (ages 17 and under) with a 9 a.m. ET start time. The Junior Wildcat Club 100 Yard Dash Kids Race is for kids 6 years old and younger and will begin the day at 8:30 a.m. ET. Registration for the 100-yard dash is $15. Walking participants can register at the same price in all three categories.

Participants in the race will receive a commemorative t-shirt. The UK5K will be a chip-timed race, with prizes from Kroger for overall top finishers and top finishers in various age groups. Each participant will also receive a medal (Kroger Field replica), provided by Kroger. Strollers and Pets are not able to participate due to the course terrain.

Kroger Simple Truth and UK Athletics along with support from the popular Girls on the Run youth running program are excited to offer this running or walking experience that starts outside of Kroger Field (Gate 12) and then finishes on the field inside Kroger Field. During the race, you will take a journey through several UK sports facilities including Kroger Field (football), the Joe Craft Football Training Facilities, Kentucky Proud Park (baseball), Wendell & Vickie Bell Soccer Complex, and John Cropp Stadium (softball). Both UK Athletics and Kroger will have active presences at the race.

There will be two options for packet pickup after you complete online registration. Packets will be available Friday, April 19 from 3-7 p.m. ET at Kroger on Euclid Avenue (704 Euclid Avenue, Lexington, KY 40502). Packets will also be available on Saturday, April 20 starting at 7 a.m. ET at Gate 12 at Kroger Field (1540 University Drive, Lexington, KY 40506).

“We are thrilled to bring back Kroger’s Simple Truth UK5K this year,” said Jessica Sharp, Kroger corporate affairs manager. “Partnering non-profit organization Girls on the Run, we hope to empower young girls with confidence and kindness while also sharing Kroger’s Simple Truth line of grocery items as an affordable and organic option to build healthier plates at every table.”

“Girls on the Run Central Kentucky is excited to continue the growing partnership at the UK5K on April 20th,” said Heidi Guckenberger, executive director for Girls on the Run Central Kentucky. “UK Athletics and Kroger’s dedication to the community’s health and wellness aligns with the mission of Girls on the Run Central Kentucky. Over 275 3rd – 8th grade girls will achieve their goal of completing a 5K event thanks to the support of these community partners.”

UK HealthCare, the official healthcare partner of UK Athletics, will provide on-site medical care for the UK5K.