Are Colleges Really the Best Place for Your Fundraising 5K?

When I first started organizing races, I thought college and university campuses were the perfect venue: tons of parking, ample indoor restrooms, a closed-loop course with limited traffic, and great exposure for both the school and the cause. It seemed like a no-brainer.

But after years of producing endurance events across the region, I’ve learned a lot, and my views have shifted.

While campuses can offer excellent facilities, they also come with a complex web of challenges that are often hidden until you're deep in the planning process. Because they’re private property, everything from insurance and liability waivers to facility access and security goes through multiple layers of approval. Sometimes, the red tape alone can delay or derail your timeline.

Then there’s the cost. Many institutions charge high fees for the use of their grounds and staff, far more than most parks or public venues. And while some schools support community partnerships, others view outside events as a burden rather than a benefit.

This doesn’t mean a college race is never the right choice, but it’s rarely the easy, affordable option it appears to be.

Instead, we’ve found incredible success (and far fewer roadblocks) using public parks, community centers, and shared-use paths. These spaces are often more welcoming to nonprofit causes, offer greater scheduling flexibility, and foster deeper community engagement.

If you're planning a race and looking for a venue that aligns with your mission and your budget, we’d love to help you evaluate your options. The right venue can make or break your event—and we’re here to make sure it’s a win from the start.

Ready to get started? Download our free Event Budgeting Tool to help you plan smarter from the beginning, or contact us to set up a free consultation. Let’s bring your vision to life—without unnecessary hurdles.