The Howard Payne University Alumni Association Virtual 5K will be held on Saturday, March 23. Alumni, students, community members and friends are invited to participate by running or walking from anywhere. Last year, more than 100 individuals participated from 25 cities and four states. The local Brownwood community is invited to come to the HPU campus to participate in person. Participants from across the country and around the world can participate from their hometowns and share photos on social media with #HPU5K to engage with others on the day of the race.

Registration for the 5K is $40 per adult and $10 per student. A portion of the registration will be used to support HPU student-focused events and scholarships. Registration is open until Wednesday, March 6. Each participant will receive a race packet, which includes a dri-fit t-shirt and race bib.

“We are excited to offer the Virtual 5K again this year, to allow alumni and friends from across the country and around the world to be part of the same event on the same day,” said Dr. Kalie Lowrie, assistant vice president for alumni relations. “Last year, it was really neat to see people from many different locations come together to support the Alumni Association and give back to our students. We had a great turnout on campus as well. This is a unique event that brings people together and allows people to connect in a meaningful way.”

Participants are encouraged to submit their race times to the Office of Alumni Relations on March 23. The top three finishing times will receive prizes.

The Alumni Association expresses appreciation for the business and family sponsors who are supporting the 5K. Business sponsors include Accel Health; Best Western Plus – Brownwood; Brasher & Co.; Mark T. Bessent, Attorney at Law; Kohler; Roberson Rental; Smith & Sharpe; and Sparks Insurance Agency. Family sponsors include Dr. Logan and Kaye Cummings; Landry and Janetta Holmes; Dr. Monte and Beverly Martin; Woody and Miki Martin; and Dr. Dale and Christy Meinecke. Sponsorship opportunities are still available until March 1 for businesses and families.

The HPU Alumni Association Virtual 5K is part of this year’s Spring Family Reunion. Additional events will be held on the HPU campus in Brownwood from 1-4 p.m. on March 23, including live music, booths with food and games, bounce houses, and an outdoor vendor market with handmade crafts.

Each fall, the Alumni Association provides seed money for floats for Stinger Spectacular (Homecoming), as well as prize money for the award-winning floats. The association also sponsors a Career Luncheon, provides prize money for Spring Sing winners, distributes welcome bags for the new students, sponsors a lunch on the lawn and hosts the Senior Celebration Dinner for new graduates.

To register for the Virtual 5K or sign up as a sponsor, please visit hputx.edu/alumni/hpu-virtual-5k/ or contact the HPU Office of Alumni Relations at alumni@hputx.edu or 325-649-8007.