Instructions for Runners

Thank you so much for participating and supporting our cause! Below you will find some helpful instructions and reminders before the race.

Below is the route map for the race (2 laps around the outer loop of Lake Artemesia) - please make sure you are familiar with the route before the race, but we will have people stationed to help guide you around the lake.

Meeting spot: Please aim to meet at the starting line no later than 10:45am so that you can get signed in before we start the event promptly at 11:00am. The meeting spot will be where the START is labeled on the route map. It is near the building with the bathrooms in the middle of the large loop. Please be aware it is not directly next to the parking lot so plan some walking time to get to the start line.

Additional tips:

It will be kind of chilly in the morning so aim to dress accordingly as we will be outside the entire time.
We will have water and some oranges/granola bars at the finish line but feel free to bring anything else you need to fuel up!
Have fun and enjoy!

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out by emailing maiajohnsonusa@gmail.com. We are looking forward to seeing you all!

Honoring the Life of Chester Brandon

All proceeds from this fundraiser will be donated to The VIVA School of Dance, a nonprofit organization chosen by Chester’s family to support students in need and expand access to dance education.

Chester Brandon, a senior studying Information Systems at the University of Maryland, tragically passed away on October 31, 2025. He was an active member of Pi Sigma Epsilon and SUSA, as well as a dedicated participant in several dance organizations throughout his high school and college years. Chester was deeply passionate about music, the arts, and his friends. He will forever be remembered for his creativity, kindness, and the joy he brought to everyone around him.

The VIVA School empowers young dancers of color to become creative leaders by providing access to world-class dance training, academic enrichment, college mentorship, and leadership development. Through culturally conscious education and full merit scholarships, VIVA builds a supportive community where students can embrace their identities, pursue excellence, and shape the future of the arts.

This 5K event is hosted by the business fraternities of the University of Maryland, Delta Sigma Pi, Alpha Kappa Psi, Pi Sigma Epsilon, and Phi Chi Theta, in honor of Chester’s life, his love for dance, and his lasting impact on the UMD community.

Interfraternal Turkey Trot