On a Friday night in early April, UA faculty and staff members, their families, students, and the larger community lined up on the start line outside Bryant-Denny Stadium. The Crimson Couch to 5K brought almost 400 runners and walkers to the Walk of Champions to test their physical and mental limits and support others in pursuit of their goals. Whether someone was running for a personal best, walking with their children, or finishing their first ever 5k, this event provided an opportunity for everyone to prioritize their own wellbeing, explore campus on a gorgeous evening, and prove to themselves they can accomplish anything.
Wellness and Work-Life strives to provide all UA employees an opportunity to get outside, build their endurance, and connect with fellow colleagues and community members. The event also marks the end of the 6-week Crimson Couch to 5K training plan only available to faculty and staff.
Before the event, runners and walkers mentally and physically prepared for the challenge ahead by stretching, connecting with their friends and family, and taking plenty of pictures on the famous Crimson Couch. When it was time to start, everyone’s favorite elephant, Big Al, and VeloCity cyclists led the race down the Walk of Champions and three miles through campus. The energy was high from the moment the first participant crossed the finish line and continued until the last participant finished. Every finisher received an event t-shirt and special Crimson Couch sticker to commemorate the 15th anniversary. Everyone also refueled with water, Powerade, bananas, and their choice of granola bar or food purchased from the on-site food trucks.
The Crimson Couch to 5K would not be possible without the help of our amazing campus and community partners and volunteers: Fleet Feet Tuscaloosa, Wagner’s Run/Walk, VeloCity Cycles, Balancing Breath, Total MVMT, Physiolete, BlueCross BlueShield, Visit Tuscaloosa, University Recreation, University Medical Center, Project Health, and the College of HES. Thank you for your support and excitement as we help UA employees Run or Walk like Champions!
See even more details and information on our Crimson Couch to 5K training and event pages.