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Linda Yalem Safety Run
Run, walk or volunteer for this popular event, which is open to UB students, faculty and staff as well as the entire community. This 5K run is held annually to promote personal safety and remember UB student Linda Yalem.
September 24, 2017
Time: The race will start promptly at 9:30 a.m.
Location: Through and around North Campus, starting and finishing near Alumni Arena
2017 registration is now open.
About the Run
Each year, UB welcomes more than 800 runners and walkers — as well as hundreds of volunteers — for this annual run, which is one of UB’s most enduring traditions. The run is an official qualifying race for the Buffalo News Runner of the Year series, but is also open to casual runners, joggers and walkers.
New to running? Check out our couch to 5k training schedule and also take advanatage of our race pacers.
Registration Details
Your registration fee covers the cost of your participation in the race, long-sleeve race shirt, your time chip/number, finish line and results services, the Kids Dash, and a free post-race party including food and entertainment.
Individual Racers: $25
Group Racers: 5 runners for $100 (Please note: group rate is only available in groups of 5; please contact us for this special rate)
Enter to Win
Register before August 1 and be entered to win a VIP Game Day Experience package for 4 for the UB Football vs. Florida Atlantic game on Saturday, September 23. Pre-game concert features the Gin Blossoms.
Registration and Packet Pick-Up
Online Registration will close promptly at 5:00 p.m. on the Wednesday, September 20.
On-site registration and packet pick-up will be available in Alumni Arena on Friday, September 22 from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. and Sunday, September 24 from 7:00 - 9:30 a.m.
Kids Dash
If you have children 5 to 10 years of age who would like to participate in the Kids Dash, please bring them along to the race and register them on site. The Kids Dash includes prizes for the participants.
Race Details
Course Map and Instructions
Distance and Course
- 5 Kilometers (3.1 miles)
- U.S.A.T.F. Certified Course NY-08046-JG
A course map will be posted in the Alumni Arena lobby. You can also download a course map here.
Water Station
- A staffed water station will be located near the halfway point of the course by the Ellicott Complex and at the finish lines
Splits
- Splits will be called at the first and second mile markers
Instructions and Starting Information
- Race participants will be led from Alumni Arena to the start line
- Runners will be grouped by anticipated mile times at the start — look for the signs
- Brief pre-race announcements will be made
- A moment of silence will be observed prior to the start of the race
- Wheelchair racers will be given a 30-second start in advance of the field
- Keep to the right on the course
- A University Police car will be the lead vehicle for the race, and a van will be used for follow-up pickups, as necessary; watch for traffic marshals and warning signs
- After the start, the course will not be completely free of vehicular traffic; major intersections will be blocked and traffic marshals will provide assistance as needed
- While on the course, please yield the right of way to emergency vehicles if necessary
- Watch out for the ramps over the Lee Loop curbs (near the Commons and Student Union)
- Strollers are not allowed on the race course while the race is in progress
First Aid
- Race medical care will be located at the start-finish areas
- Ask any race crew member for assistance if needed
Timing, Results and Records
Scorethis will manage and time the race. Your timing chip will be attached to your running bib and results will be displayed on the front of Alumni Arena as soon as possible after runners cross the finish line.
Course Records
- Male: 14:39 (1991) David O’Keeffe
- Female: 17:30 (2005) Allison Carr
Awards
The award ceremony will be held immediately following the race. Awards will be given in more than 20 categories.
Open Division
Overall finishers (male and female) receive cash prizes
Age Categories
Top three finishers (male and female) in five-year age categories: 14 and under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75+
Wheelchair
Top three finishers (male and female)
UB Finishers
Top UB male and female for the following categories: student, faculty/staff, alumni
Parking and Directions
Free on-campus parking is available close to Alumni Arena. Please note that faculty/staff designated parking does not apply on race day. For more information about special event parking and directions, please visit the Parking and Transportation website.
Volunteer
You can volunteer by yourself — or as a volunteer team with your club, organization or friends. Either way, it’s a great opportunity to have fun, meet new people and help support a great cause.
You can register to volunteer online through UBLinked, whether you’re volunteering as an individual or a team.
- Team registrations: each volunteer team must have one team leader who will complete the form on the team’s behalf. (You'll need each team member’s name and email for registration).
UBITName and password required
Staying Safe
Be aware of your personal safety when you’re running or walking outdoors.
View Safety Tips
- Never run alone; always walk or run with a friend
- Tell others where you are; write or text someone the direction of your run, and tell friends and family about your favorite running routes
- Wear bright colors and reflective material if you must run before dawn or after dark
- Be alert to your surroundings and the people near you
- Practice memorizing license plates or identifying characteristics of strangers; the more aware you are, the less vulnerable you are
- Vary your route
- Run in familiar areas; if you have to run in an unfamiliar area, contact a local RRCA club or running store
- Know where open businesses or stores are located in case of emergency
- Stay in well-lit areas
- Ditch the headphones. Our ears keep us in touch with our surroundings and may help you avoid dangers during early morning or evening runs. Many runners enjoy listening to music; if you do decide to wear headphones, only place an ear-bud in one ear and turn volume of music to a low level, enough to hear noises around you.
- Run on the left side of the road, against traffic so you can observe approaching vehicles or bikes. Plan to move first; do not wait for the vehicle or bike to move for you.
- Carry a cell phone. You can use the phone in an emergency or the phone (if set-up) can be used to track your location.
- Carry an ID with you, whether it’s a driver license or an ID bracelet.
- Beware of high-risk drivers. Steer clear of parking lots, bars, restaurants, where there may be heavy traffic.
- Hydration. If running in heat or humidity you may need to hydrate during the run. Wear a fuel belt or stage water stops prior to your run.
- Sunscreen. If running between the hours of 11 AM and 4 PM place a layer of at least 30 SPF sunscreen to exposed skin.
- Manners matter! At a stop sign or light, wait for a car to stop or to wave you though. Use signals if turning left or right to inform traffic.
For additional personal safety messages and services at UB, please review the University Police website. To report problems or concerns on UB’s campuses please call University Police at 716-645-2222.
2017 Sponsors
Interested in being a race sponsor? Please call 716-645-3965 if interested.
Race Staff
The Linda Yalem Safety Run is managed by UB’s office of Student Engagement.
- Race Director: Phyllis Floro
- Registrations, Payment and Sponsorships: Terri Budek
- Volunteers: Rachel DiDomizio
Need Help?
Student Life
University at Buffalo
235 Student Union, North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260
Phone: (716) 645-6469