LECOM 5K and 1-Mile Wellness Walk

We are pleased to announce our 13th annual LECOM 5K as a healthful event that enables you to walk or run either our 3.1-mile course or one-mile course. LECOM Medical Fitness and Wellness Center encourages an active lifestyle throughout our great nation. So, we are maintaining our virtual option for those who are unable to attend our live event. Our virtual option does not require a timing device for you to participate, but you have the option of posting your time on the registration site to see how your time compares with others from around the country. Our live event will have the option to utilize timing devices and bibs so you can either compete for a place medal or just go for a personal best. The primary focus of both events is on the students who will be the future of our healthcare. 

We have seen the heightened risk that has faced our medical professionals over the past several years. They are stalwarts on the front line, providing care to those in need of medical attention and risking their own lives to save others. Our profession is a noble one, and mindful of those currently in the battle, our efforts now will benefit those who will serve in years to come. 

All proceeds from the 5K event will benefit the LECOM Student Scholarship Fund, helping to defray the educational costs of our future health care providers from LECOM.

LECOM is an institution that trains Osteopathic Physicians, Pharmacists, Dentists, and Podiatrists. Since its inception, LECOM has proven itself as an educational institution that encourages and supports its scholars through and beyond their years of study. Our Annual LECOM Student Scholarship Galas are the chief generator of resources that are used to assist students in defraying and offsetting the cost of their medical education. Each year, we raise millions of dollars in scholarship aid for our deserving students. In a time during which there is an increased need for primary care physicians, the need for successfully graduated medical practitioners is felt now more intensely than ever before.

Participating in our live event:

1. Register by August 7th, 2026. Same-day registrations will be accepted; however, we strongly recommend that you register prior to race day to avoid any delays.
2. Pick up your race packet on August 7th between 5:00-7:00 PM at the Wellness Center main entrance or on the day of the live event. Registration and packet pick-up will begin at 8:00 AM on race day and close at 8:45 AM.
3. Registrations after July 1st will NOT be guaranteed a shirt on race day.
4. Post-race refreshments including fruit and water will be available.
5. Each participant will be eligible to win a variety of door prizes following the race courtesy of our sponsors. You must be present to win.
6. Awards will be given to the top 3 male and female finishers in the 5K race.

Participating virtually:

1. Register by September 30th, 2026.
2. Complete the 1-mile or 3.1 miles between May 1st and September 30th, 2026 and upload your results to https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/Erie/LECOMERIE5K 
3. Receive your completion t-shirt by mail in the following month.

Live Event FAQs:

• When is packet pickup? We will hold packet pickup for all participants on Friday, August 8th from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM in the LECOM Wellness Center 1st floor conference room. During that time, you may check into the race and pick up your race t-shirt and timing bib. You may also pick up your race packet on race day at the registration table beginning at 8:00 AM. Registration will end promptly at 8:45 AM on race day.
• Do I have to be timed? Timing bibs are not required to be worn for this event. If you do not wish to be timed, please do not take a timing bib upon check-in. If you wish to be timed, please ensure your timing bib is securely pinned to your clothing on race day and that you pass through the start and finish line to accurately capture your race time. Please note that if you do not wish to be timed that you will not be eligible for a placement medal.
• Will there be awards? Awards will be given to the top 3 male and female finishers in the 5K run after the majority of participants have crossed the finish line.
• Will there be refreshments? Water and bananas will be available for all participants before and after the event. We will also have 2 water stations on the 5K course.
• Will there be parking available? Free parking will be available for all participants in our North lot (across from the Wellness Center) and Northwest lot (across from Rite Aid). Millcreek and LECOM Police will be available to safely escort participants across Peach Street and West 54th Street.
• What if it rains on race day? This event will be taking place rain or shine.
• I am a LECOM student who is completing this event for community service credit. How do I submit proof of participation? If you would like to receive credit for this event, please submit your supporting documentation (proof of event registration and community service documentation) to Lzemanek@lecomwellness.com.

Virtual Event FAQs:

• What is a virtual event? A virtual event is an event you can complete anytime and anywhere! There isn't a set time or place since virtual runs are meant for you to complete at your own convenience and at your own pace.
• How do I submit my time? The completion of the virtual event is on the honor system- so there is no need for you to submit your time. If you'd like, you may post your results directly on our registration website to see how your time compares with other participants across the country. Once you have completed your walk/run, just wear your new t-shirt with pride!
• Is there a specific app we need to use to track our time? You can track your time with any app, watch, or fitness device that you would like.
• Can I complete my virtual run before I have received my t-shirt? You don't have to wait to receive your t-shirt in the mail- you can complete your run at any time. T-shirt will be mailed out within 30 days of the conclusion of the virtual event, which ends on September 30th. If you do not receive your t-shirt within 30 days, please send us a message through our main registration page.
• I am a LECOM student who is completing this event for community service credit. How do I submit proof of participation? If you would like to receive credit for this event, please submit your supporting documentation (proof of event registration and community service documentation) to Lzemanek@lecomwellness.com.

Need help getting ready for the race?  Try a training plan to keep you on target and consistent! Check out our 8–10-week programs written by our degreed and certified fitness team. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned runner, we've got you covered!