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UTampa’s third annual Giving Day 5K will take place next Thursday with a race through campus, kicking off a 24-hour giving marathon to raise money for scholarships and campus programming. 

President Theresa Abi-Nader Dahlberg is expected to be among the more than 100 runners taking part in the event, which is open to students, staff, faculty and anyone who wishes to support the University.

The course begins near Sykes College of Business and the Vaughn Center and winds around and through campus, including Plant Park and along the Hillsborough River. It ends on the soccer field at Pepin Stadium. Besides the many runners and walkers on campus, people can expect to see cheering volunteers helping with course directions and water stations.

Director of Annual Giving David Ramnarine ’09 said Giving Day is a chance to give back to the University. Besides the 5K, supporters will raise money by sharing their stories of connection to UTampa as virtual “minaret climbers” and with appeals on social media. The event ends with Minarets at Sunset, a celebration on the Southard Family Building patio, 6-8 p.m., on Friday, April 24. 

“Behind it all is really to support the students and the student scholarships funding the different areas on campus, which makes an impact for the students,” Ramnarine said.

Check-in for the 5K begins at 5:30 p.m. at Sykes Lawn, with the start set for 6:30 p.m. Those interested in registering can do so online or by emailing Ramnarine at dramnarine@ut.edu or annualfund@ut.edu. The entry fee for the race is $25 for students, $30 for faculty and staff, $40 for everyone else and $45 for virtual participants.

People can volunteer to help at the event by emailing Ramnarine or calling 813-258-7402.

Runners in the 5K will receive an event T-shirt and participation medal. Prizes will be awarded in several categories, including to the top three finishers, top man and top woman, the most spirited individual and team, the largest team and youngest registrant.

Minarets at Sunset is a 21-and-older, ticketed event. Tickets cost $50. Faculty and staff tickets are $25. 

Ramnarine said student leaders will be featured at Minarets at Sunset, highlighting their campus involvement.