Date: 3/8/2022
AMHERST – Following a two-year pandemic-related hiatus, the University of Massachusetts (UMass) Dining Services will host their 11th annual UMass 5K Dash and Dine on April 9.
The goal of the event is to promote health and wellness at UMass Amherst while raising funds for The Amherst Survival Center. UMass Dining has raised over $50,000 for the Amherst Survival Center through previous Dash and Dine events.
“We are excited to see Dash and Dine return. This event is such a perfect fundraiser for the Center,” said Amherst Survival Center Executive Director Lev Ben-Ezra in the press release for the event. “It’s all about community, everyone pitching in, and world-class cooking. A huge thank you to everyone who makes it possible and comes out to join.”
The 5K will feature a USA Track and Field (USATF) certified course to runners, walkers and wheelchair participants. When race participants are finished, all are welcome to gather for lunch at the dining commons on campus.
“It’s fantastic to see the UMass community come together for such a great cause. We’re big believers in building community through food and promoting health and wellness, and this event is another shining example of this,” said Ken Toong, executive director of UMass Amherst Auxiliary Enterprises.
Racing fees for the general public are $20 per entry while it is $10 for all UMass and Five College students, and $15 for UMass Amherst faculty and staff. Children 8 years old and younger may participate for free. The race fee prices include registration and a complimentary meal at the Hampshire or Berkshire Dining Commons. The more registered, the more raised for the Survival Center.
UMass Dining is the largest collegiate dining program in America and is a recognized leader among college dining programs. They credit this to their focus on quality ingredients and meals, customer service, student health and wellness, customization options, an appreciation of global influences and modern eating trends, and creating community on campus. Their mission is to support and improve the student experience at UMass Amherst.
Chris Howland, director of Procurement, Logistics and Special Projects and interim director of Marketing and Communications for Auxiliary Enterprises, said excitement for the event’s return and all its benefits is high.
“We basically started this as a way to bring community together, celebrate health and wellness, and also help a partner that does a lot of great things for the community,” Howland said. “Amherst Survival Center has been doing a lot of great things for a very long time and we saw that this would be a great opportunity to give back and to help them and support their mission of helping community members that need help.”
Howland said the money raised will go to the Survival Center and will be theirs to use as they wish. He credits the logistics set up that the Survival Center uses to receive resources where they get donations for what they need.
“Really, this is our major way of giving back to the center,” Howland added. “They’re able to use unrestricted funds and use it whatever way they feel is best towards their mission.”
While Howland has yet to see the official menu for the event, he said its always going to be high quality meals regardless of the day from the UMass dining team. He said in the past they have done salmon, stir fry, sushi, and other great tasting options.
Howland added excitement from the team on the ground is high and they love to help in serving the community in events and fundraisers such as this.
“It’s a testament to their ability. When you see their faces when their serving customers, they’re so proud of what they’ve been able to put together,” Howland said. “I’m glad that we’re able to share this with the UMass community at large and also our award-winning cuisine with the community too. Our team really works hard throughout the year so it’s great to see happy customers.”
The event will begin at 9 a.m. with a check-in at the Southwest Horseshoe. At 10 a.m., a fun run for children 8 years old and younger will begin followed by the main race starting at 11 a.m. A brief awards ceremony will follow before lunch at the Hampshire or Berkshire Dining Commons.
Online registration ends at midnight on April 6, but a walk-up registration is available on the day of the race. To register for the event or make a donation, visit RunUMass.com.