This year marks the 15^th 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!

Fleet Feet

Fleet Feet is a locally owned business located in downtown Tuscaloosa. It offers exceptional deals on merchandise while encouraging customers with quality service and education on how to get the most out of their shoes. The staff at Fleet Feet are veteran runners who are truly passionate about the community and want to help as many people as they can pursue the sport. Each staff member is trained in lower leg and foot biomechanics, specializing in proper shoe fit and gait analysis.

To put it simply, the staff are experts and will ensure that the shoe fits your foot perfectly. Besides shoes, the store also offers apparel and accessories from multiple brands.  Fleet Feet Tuscaloosa currently has more than 100 five-star reviews on Google, and with it being in the middle of town, there’s no better place to take your first step into running!

Shop here: https://www.fleetfeet.com/s/tuscaloosa/

Wagner’s RunWalk

Wagner’s has been serving Tuscaloosa for 70 years, making it a trusted and reliable source for your running needs since 1953! Because of this, Wagner’s RunWalk prides themselves on their expertise in the latest trends while providing old-fashioned customer service. 

One of the greatest parts of Wagner’s is their 3D scanner that will give a full model of your feet so they can get the absolute best choice for you. They also offer appointments to further analyze, but no appointment is required. Whether you’re just getting into running, a pro, or just looking for a pair of comfortable shoes, Wagner’s RunWalk is the reliable choice for your needs! 

Shop here: http://www.wagnersrunwalk.com/

Dick’s Sporting Goods

A very popular sporting goods chain, Dick’s offers many options for footwear and running outerwear at a great price. The store is brimming with styles of shoes and clothing across multiple brands, and with so much gear to choose from, you’re sure to find just the right style for you!

Dick’s also offers trained staff who are available to help you find the right-fitting shoe and the best discounts on running goods. They also offer other essential products for running, such as water bottles, energy chews, and more!

Visit them here: https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/

Academy Sports + Outdoors

Academy is mainly known for their outdoor goods, but don’t let that fool you, they offer great selections in both running shoes and apparel! Especially with how much is on sale, Academy offers plenty of affordable options, making it a great gateway into running. Academy also offers a wide variation of brands with trained staff willing to help you differentiate which brand meets your needs and fits your style. On top of this, they also offer many clothing options boasting The University of Alabama’s iconic crimson red and iconic script A, so you can run in real style! 

Check it out here: http://academy.com

Thank you to our partners at Bryant Conference Center for sponsoring this content!

Oktoberfest returns to Tuscaloosa on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023 with a 5k run benefiting the American Cancer Society and a German-themed festival featuring food, drinks and family-friendly entertainment.

Tuscaloosa Oktoberfest, presented by Visit Tuscaloosa, will occur 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Druid City Social (301 Greensboro Ave, Tuscaloosa, AL  35401). The traditional tapping of the keg will kick off programming that also includes a dachshund race presented by the Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter, steinholding contest and a variety of live music, including a performance by German band Oompah-Calypse, and more.

“Visit Tuscaloosa is thrilled to host Tuscaloosa Oktoberfest alongside Mercedes-Benz U.S. International and their 5k race,” said Kelsey Rush, Visit Tuscaloosa president and CEO.  “We understand our community desires more events, and given the connection to Mercedes as well as our Sister City in Schorndorf, Germany, we feel confident this can become an annual festival our community looks forward to each year.”  

General admission tickets for Oktoberfest are $10, include a special edition commemorative stein, and will be available beginning Sept. 1 at TuscaloosaOktoberfest.com. Children 12 and under get in free.

Multiple craft breweries will be on hand to make a diverse selection of beers available for purchase. Additional vendors will sell German food, pretzels, desserts, soft drinks and more.

VIP tickets also will be for sale for $75, featuring a package that includes food, access to indoor restrooms and tvs broadcasting college football, special seating for the dachshund race and three beer tickets. Two hundred VIP tickets will be sold on a first come, first served basis.

The 5k race is presented by Mercedes-Benz U.S. International and will start at 9 a.m. from downtown Tuscaloosa. Registration is available at a $45 early bird rate until August 20 and includes race entry, a race t-shirt, a commemorative beer stein exclusive to race participants, free admission to the Tuscaloosa Oktoberfest and a free beer (for runners 21 and older).

Visit Tuscaloosa will continue to provide additional updates on vendors, activities, and more at TuscaloosaOktoberfest.com and through social media. Businesses or organizations interested in partnering may send inquires to info@visittuscaloosa.com or call 205-391-9200.