Feel Good 5K encourages Hokies to embrace wellness at their own pace

The Feel Good 5K helps Hokies experience movement as a tool for healing, positivity, and building community.

Hokies of all fitness levels and abilities are invited to attend and run, jog, walk, or participate as they are able. The 5K will begin at The Fishbowl at Oak Lane at 10 a.m. Oct. 26 and follow a scenic route around the golf course.

“We hope the Feel Good 5K serves as a reminder that moving more matters — not just for our own health, but for the energy and positivity it brings to our community as a whole,” said Kati Williams, events coordinator for Recreational Sports.

The event began last year through a partnership between 2024 Homecoming Court member Filip DeHaven, Rec Sports, and the Virginia Kappa Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. DeHaven’s personal fitness journey and his passion for wellness and body positivity inspired the event.

DeHaven lost a significant amount of weight in 2020. When he was at his heaviest, he experienced bullying, which worsened his mental health and body image. Now, he advocates that negativity has no place in a people's relationships with their bodies, especially when they are trying to take care of themselves and make healthy choices.

“Everyone deserves to feel comfortable in their own body,” said DeHaven.

DeHaven and Sigma Phi Epsilon partnered with Rec Sports to create the first Feel Good 5K, which took place last February and had about 200 participants.

“I didn’t know much about planning a 5K, but Rec Sports shared their resources and expertise,” said DeHaven. “Events like this are their bread and butter. They’ve been phenomenal. The 5K wouldn’t have been possible without them.”

As they did last year, Sigma Phi Epsilon volunteers will provide boots-on-the-ground support. Thirty route marshals will guide participants. Student Engagement and Campus Life’s The Chillfield will pass out water and snacks at the end of the event.

DeHaven hopes this event will be as successful as the last, with participation from students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members. He wants the Feel Good 5K to be an opportunity for Hokies to get outside and get moving, whether they run, jog, or walk.

“If someone wants to time themselves and compete with themselves, I want them to do that,” said DeHaven. “If people want to come out and walk with their friends, I want them to do that. It’s a traditional 5K but less competitive in nature. It's an opportunity to do something active on a — hopefully — beautiful Sunday in October.”

“My hope is that everyone enjoys a morning filled with movement, connection, and joy,” said Williams. “Whether participants walk, jog, or run, I want them to feel good about spending time outdoors with friends while doing something positive for their mental and physical well-being.”

Event details

• Students: $20
• Non-students: $25

Fee includes a commemorative T-shirt and post-race snacks to refuel after your run.  

Visit the Feel Good 5K website to sign up.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Kati Williams at katiw@vt.edu or Rec Sports at 540-231-6856 during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.