UMass Amherst Dining Services Hosts Annual 5K Dash and Dine to Benefit Amherst Survival Center

Dash and Dine
Dash and Dine

AMHERST, Mass. – UMass Amherst Dining Services is hosting the 9th annual UMass 5K Dash and Dine on campus Saturday, April 7. The run/walk raises funds to benefit the Amherst Survival Center while promoting health and fitness at the university.  

The 5K was created to bring an exciting course to runners and walkers while supporting health and wellness within the community. The race fee is $10 for all Five College undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and staff, and $20 for the general public. The race fee includes registration and a complimentary meal at the university’s award-winning dining facilities in the Hampshire Dining Commons or Berkshire Dining Commons. The first 1,000 registrants will receive a free T-shirt.

Over the last eight years UMass Dining has raised more $39,000 for the Amherst Survival Center. The goal this year is to reach more than $7,000.

“It’s fantastic to see the UMass community come together for such a great cause,” says Ken Toong, executive director of auxiliary enterprises at UMass. “We’re a big believer of building community through food and this event is another shining example of this. I’m extremely proud of our team and what we are able to accomplish.”

“Our partnership with UMass Dining has been deep, meaningful and beneficial to us as a community organization,” says Mindy Domb, executive director of the Amherst Survival Center. “We look forward to the Dash and Dine every year and anticipate another successful event.”

Schedule of events:

  • 9 a.m. – Check-in at the Southwest Horseshoe
  • 10 a.m. – Free fun run for children 8 years old and under
  • 11 a.m. – Race begins
  • 11:30 a.m. – Award ceremony
  • Noon – Lunch in Hampshire or Berkshire Dining Commons

Prizes will be awarded to top finishers. Online registration will end at midnight on April 5 and race fees will cost an additional $5 for participants who register the day of the event.

UMass Dining Services aims to promote health and wellness by encouraging everyone to exercise and eat well for a great cause. The UMass 5K Dash and Dine is the perfect opportunity to support a balanced and healthy lifestyle. To register or make a donation, visit www.runumass.com.

Media are invited to attend.