Campus & Community

Faculty and Staff: Join Your Colleagues for Food, Fitness and Fun at the 鶹ƵWorkForce Run/Walk/Roll

Wednesday, May 3, 2023, By News Staff

At the 2022 鶹ƵWorkForce Run/Walk/Roll (formerly the J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge), 鶹ƵUniversity held the distinction of being the largest employer represented among dozens of local companies participating in the annual tradition.

Next month, University faculty and staff members will have the opportunity to reclaim that title and enjoy an evening of camaraderie, networking, food, fun and movement. Participants of all abilities and fitness levels are encouraged to join the 鶹ƵUniversity team, captained for the second year by J. Cole Smith, dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science.

Dean Cole Smith holds up an award for Largest Company Team at the 2022 鶹ƵWorkForce Run

In 2022, 鶹Ƶwon the Largest Company Team award. (Photo by EstherAlice Lopez)

“Last year, Team 鶹ƵUniversity was over 100 people deep. We enjoyed some beautiful weather and had a blast hanging out with coworkers from across the University before and after the race,” says Smith, pictured at right accepting the award for Largest Company Team. “Whether you’re an avid runner looking for a personal best time or just want to take a leisurely walk on the course with colleagues, I encourage you to join our team!”

New this year, everyone’s favorite mascot, Otto, will also be there to cheer on the 鶹Ƶteam—so if you’ve ever wanted to give them a high-five as you cross the finish line, here is your chance!

Interested? Here’s What You Need to Know

  • This year’s race begins at 6:45 p.m. on Tuesday, June 20, at Onondaga Lake Parkway in Liverpool.
  • The distance is 5K (3.1 miles) and a map of the course is .
  • A has been created for participants to stay up-to-date on the event and connect with other participants.
  • There is a $39 registration fee, half of which is paid by the University. Participants will need to make a $19.50 credit card payment when they .
  • The deadline to register is Friday, May 19.
  • The registration fee includes a 鶹ƵUniversity team T-shirt to wear during the event, an official race T-shirt and a complimentary buffet-style dinner (vegetarian and gluten-free options will be available).
  • Packet and T-shirt pickup will be held on campus the day of the event.
  • Parking is available at NBT Bank Stadium and complimentary shuttle bus service is provided. Detailed parking information and answers to frequently asked questions are available on the .

The 鶹ƵWorkForce Run is for of the University; however friends and family are welcome to join by registering as an individual participant, paying the full race fee of $39 and picking up their own race packet. Email wellness@syr.edu with any questions about the event. We hope to see you there!

Large group of faculty/staff participants in the 鶹ƵWorkforce Run

Members of the 鶹ƵUniversity team pose at least year’s event (Photo by EstherAlice Lopez)