Event returns after successful 2024 showing
LEXINGTON, Ky. – UK Athletics will host the UK5K presented by Kroger Simple Truth the morning of Saturday, May 10. The race will begin and end at Kroger Field at Gate 12 and guide participants through various athletic facilities on the south campus.
“This is one of our favorite events of the year and we are excited 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,” 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.”
During the race, you will take a journey through several UK sports facilities including Kroger Field (football), the Joe Craft Football Training Facilities, Wendell & Vickie Bell Soccer Complex, and John Cropp Stadium (softball). Both UK Athletics and Kroger will have active presences at the race.
“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.”
Registration is open now at UKathletics.com/UK5K2025 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.
There will be two options for packet pickup after you complete online registration. Packets will be available Friday, May 9 from 4-6 p.m. ET at Kroger on Euclid Avenue (704 Euclid Avenue, Lexington, KY 40502). Packets will also be available on Saturday, May 10 starting at 7 a.m. ET at Gate 12 at Kroger Field (1540 University Drive, Lexington, KY 40506).
“Girls on the Run Central Kentucky is excited to continue the growing partnership at the UK5K on May 10th,” 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 350 3rd – 8th grade girls will achieve their goal of completing a 5K event thanks to the support of these community partners.”