Tarleton’s annual 5k kicks off Homecoming 2025

BY BETHANY KILPATRICK

Multimedia Journalist

On your mark, get set, go! Homecoming week was off to a great start after students, faculty and community members participated in the annual Memorial Homecoming 5k on Sunday, October 12, 2025.

The 5k had over 400 participants and was bubbling with Tarleton spirit.

First place went to an anonymous participant with a time of 15:20. Raj Gautman finished second in 17:57, followed by Ricky Lara in third with a time of 18:24.

With multiple student organizations, the entire Tarleton Corps of Cadets, Oscar P, the Purple Poo, as well as President Hurley and First Lady Kindall Hurley present, it was a sight that was truly bleeding purple.

Corps Commander and senior marketing student Carter McKay participated in the annual race for the fourth time this year and finished in 10th place with a time of 20:28.

“It is a great way to run into homecoming week,” McKay said. “Especially with all of the events happening, there is no better way to start off than with a running start.”

The event has grown in popularity over the last few years, according to McKay.

“It was a great turnout,” McKay said. “It was really fantastic as far as the corps showing up and all of the students. That is probably the most we have ever seen at this homecoming event.”

Public Affairs Officer for the corps and senior communications major Olivia Ray participated in the race for the fourth time this year as well.

She appreciates the diversity of the turnout.

“I love that it is not just for Tarleton students and faculty but it is open to the public, too,” Ray said. “It’s a nice mix of people from the community.”

The course began on campus at the top of the hill on Rudder Way, made a loop through the original Tarleton gates by the president’s house and continued on the sidewalk parallel to Washington Street.

Runners were then led back through the center of campus to turn the corner by Integrity Hall, up the hill by West Frey Street, down the hill neighboring the Memorial Stadium, back through campus to go down Purple Poo Way and finished running uphill on Rudder Way.

“I love the course,” Ray said. “I love seeing the campus, going down Purple Poo Way and coming up Rudder.”

Once across the finish line, runners were reminded to get ready to attend the Lighting of the Smokestack, which followed soon after.