Crimson Couch to 5K Run/Walk Turns 15!
This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Crimson Couch to 5K Run/Walk Event hosted by University of Alabama’s Wellness and Work-Life. What started as a way to encourage faculty and staff at the university to stay physically active, now reaches far beyond employees connecting students, families, friends, and the larger Tuscaloosa community through exercise.
A Look Back Through the Years
The Crimson Couch to 5K began in 2010 as the culmination of a 9-week training program designed to support employees from low levels of activity to walking or running a 5K. After completing their training plan, participants came together in the University of Alabama’s Recreation Center parking lot to celebrate and test their efforts with a 5K. When the starting horn went off, they all made their way around campus running or walking the 3.1-mile route, encouraging each other through friendly competition.
Since 2010, the event has evolved to continuously excite participants to run or walk a 5K. For several years, a Kid’s 1-mile Fun Run started before the main event to provide greater opportunities for families to participate and encourage exercise at a young age. A 10K option was added to appeal to more active or experienced participants. Some university departments even compete for most participation because who doesn’t love the bragging rights? Year after year, employees, students, families, and community members continue showing up for themselves and each other in the name of health and wellness. They run in the cold, walk in the rain, and push themselves in the heat – enjoying the camaraderie and smiling all the way.
Throughout the years and the changes, the Crimson Couch to 5K has ceaselessly supported university employees and the community to connect through movement and strive toward achieving a healthier lifestyle together.
This Year’s Event is One You Don’t Want to Miss
The Crimson Couch to 5K Run/Walk Event will be held on Friday, April 4, 2025 at 6:30pm. As University of Alabama’s spirit of achievement is deeply embedded in the community, the 5K will start at the Walk of Champions outside the iconic Bryant-Denny Stadium. University faculty, staff and their families, students, colleagues and friends will wind through the picturesque campus, around the Quad, by the Rec Center, down University Boulevard, past Denny Chimes, and return to Bryant-Denny Stadium! Just as the legendary football team draws strength from this landmark, 5K participants sense the stadium’s energy and power as it pulls them toward the finish line.
To celebrate its 15th anniversary, the Crimson Couch to 5K participants will receive a custom Crimson Couch t-shirt and special finisher’s prize, photo opportunities with Big Al outside the stadium, a chance to win a variety of raffle prizes, and food from on-site food trucks.
This event is supported by a variety of campus departments and community partners like University Medical Center, University Recreation Center, BlueCross BlueShield of Alabama, Wagner’s Run/Walk, and Fleet Feet Tuscaloosa.
University of Alabama’s Wellness and Work-Life encourages everyone interested in participating in this year’s Crimson Couch to 5K to register today. Whether you’re just starting your health and wellness journey, pushing yourself to the next level of fitness, or looking to connect with your community, there is a place for you at the starting line!