An avid runner himself, Roaring Start 5K co-organizer and Senior Director of Live Channels Jamie DeLoma ‘06, MS ’11 said the free event was developed for runners and walkers of all skill levels as a great way to support President Marie Hardin’s encouragement for all Bobcats to focus on their physical and mental health.

“It’s putting into motion President Hardin’s movement initiatives for a healthier, happier future of the university,” DeLoma said.

Having completed more than 30 marathons, Hardin joined the 5K run. She said she was proud to see the tremendous turnout and enthusiasm energizing this second annual event.

“I love it,” said Hardin. “This part of Bobcat Weekend is really special because it’s an invitation to everybody to join in, move at the pace that suits them and come together as a community.”

Ahead of giving the official race countdown, Hardin offered words of encouragement to the big crowd of runners and walkers at the starting line.

“We are a university on the move, and all of you are proving that by being out here today,” Hardin said. “I hope that you run your race, run your pace and support everyone around you.”

Co-organizer Karla Natale, ’99, MS ’14, associate vice president for community partnerships and university events, emphasized the inclusive spirit of the volunteers, participants and onlookers who filled the course on the North Haven Campus.

“It’s a fun, unifying event that’s open to anyone who would like to run or walk — members of our greater community, faculty, staff, students, alumni, parents and families,” Natale said.

Helping to represent every corner of the Quinnipiac community, the 5K also drew representation from clubs and athletic teams as well as members of regional running groups.

There for a second year, New York’s Long Island-based Rolling Thunder adaptive athletic team brought more 50 members. Rolling Thunder president and coach Steve Cuomo said the team joins the 5K as part of its ongoing partnership with the occupational therapy program at Quinnipiac’s School of Health Sciences.

“Our runners compete all over, and this is another great opportunity for them to compete,” Cuomo said. “It’s part of a great relationship we have with the school, because the students are working with our athletes before they step into a job, so they get hands-on experience with what they’ll find in the real world.”

For many families, the 5K was just the beginning of a full slate of Bobcat Weekend activities. Jason Pereau made the trip from Rocky Hill, Connecticut, to join his daughter, Kaitlin Pereau ’29, for the early morning event. Later that day, they planned to catch Quinnipiac men’s soccer take on Canisius.

“I like to run and my dad loves to walk, so we thought this would be something fun to do,” Kaitlin said.

North Haven resident Megan Chirby, clinical assistant professor for physical therapy (PT) at Quinnipiac’s School of Health Sciences, joined the 5K with her eight-year-old, Ernest and also inspired several of her students to sign up.

“It’s so nice to be here to bring together all of the things I love,” said Chirby. “This is a job that I’m so passionate about, I’m sharing this day with a little one that’s my favorite person, and having some of my PT students here is a great way to build community outside of the classroom.”

Stephanie Cantone ’24, DPT ’27, and Emma Cohen ‘24, DPT ’27, were among a dozen of Chirby’s students who joined the 5K.

“I think it speaks to our profession and to see how our professors are really practicing what they preach,” said Cantone.

To top it off, the 5K’s early fall weather and sunny skies made it a great day to enjoy the beautiful campus outside of their school, Cohen added.

“It’s super enjoyable to get outside the classroom and to see people you’re with all day do something like this together on such a gorgeous day,” said Cohen.

With a special appreciation for how much a bit of support can fuel a runner's spirit and help them cross the finish line, 35 members of Quinnipiac’s women’s cross country and track teams volunteered to cheer on participants along the course.

“I think it’s very inspiring to see everyone out here,” said Ryan Kelly ’28, a member of the cross country and track team. “It makes me happy that other people are running, that I can share my passion with other people and see them enjoy running.”

For track team high jumper Kayleanne Campbell ’29, cheering on participants was just as rewarding as competing.

“I’ve done a few 5Ks, but I’m more on the jump side, so I don’t run as much,” Campbell said. “Even just being here to cheer people on matters. Running is something that can be hard if there’s no one to cheer you on, so seeing people come through and light up when we’re cheering for them is really fun.”

A dozen members of Quinnipiac’s co-ed running club team also volunteered to support everyone in the 5K.

“I think it’s really heartwarming,” said Audrey Chodkiewicz ’28, club president. “I love to run and I love seeing everyone smiling as they cross the finish line. Running’s not easy and it’s not for everyone, but this makes it fun because it’s such a good environment with a lot of energy.”

Waving posters at the finish line featuring slogans and photos to support five friends running the 5K, a group of 20 including Julia Rossignol, ’26, MS ’27 brought plenty of spirit to the event.

“We’re all here to support our best friends because they worked really hard to get here,” Rossignol said.

Having that support definitely made a difference, agreed roommates and runners Casey McCarthy ’27, Ella Platt ’27, Jane Platt ’27, Shayla Melo ‘27, and friend Scott Kaplan ’27.

“It was amazing. It made coming to the finish line so much easier because we had all of our friends and family here together,” said Melo.

Jane Platt said the five friends decided weeks ago to take on the Roaring Start 5K together and have been training for this day. Her twin sister, Ella, said completing the race felt easier because they were doing it together.

“Women can be very motivational,” Kaplan added. “They pushed me even when I felt like I needed a break, and we got it done.”

Quinnipiac alumni Margo Eskelund ’06, MBA ’13 and Rosa Nieves ’06, MS ’12 also crossed the finish line together. The two friends met as undergraduate students over two decades ago.

Eskelund, a North Haven resident, said she comes to Bobcat Weekend every year and has found another great activity to enjoy with the Roaring Start 5K.

“I love everything about Bobcat Weekend. I think it’s the atmosphere and the welcoming folks,” Eskelund said. “It’s nice to see new people come in, and the smiles on their faces, and to see their excitement when they’re joining the university or exploring it for the first time.”

As assistant director of academic advising at Quinnipiac’s School of Communications, Nieves is approaching her 20th year of service at the university. She’s a recipient of a 2026 Center for Staff and Faculty Excellence Award and enjoys volunteering to assist with Bobcat Weekend events.

“I loved my undergraduate experience, I work with phenomenal people and we have such wonderful students, so it’s really nice to always give back to the community that has given so much back to me,” said Nieves.

Golden Bobcat Jimmy Ruotolo ’72 said he has the Roaring Start 5K to thank for reuniting him with Quinnipiac more than 50 years after earning his bachelor’s degree in marketing. Ruotolo learned about the event from a member of his running club, Lisa Adriani, research and instruction librarian at the School of Health Sciences.

In addition to his numbered bib, Ruotolo spruced up his jersey with his Class of ‘72 yearbook photo.

“It was Quinnipiac College when I graduated and I cannot believe how much it’s grown and changed since 1972,” said Ruotolo. “I’ve always been very proud of Quinnipiac. It was a great school and a great setting, and I made a lot of good friends while I was here. It was great experience for four years.”

Running down the homestretch and through the inflatable Bobcat tunnel at the finish line, former Quinnipiac men’s track runner Jim McDonald ’08, was the first to complete the 5K. Associate director of audio-visual technology infrastructure at Quinnipiac, McDonald started the day early by volunteering to set up IT systems for the event. McDonald also ran the race last year.

“I wasn’t planning to be first — I just thought I’d run hard today,” said McDonald. "It's an awesome event and it looks like it’s grown since last year, which is great."

All Roaring Start 5K participants received a commemorative medal at the finish line and refueled after the race with bagels, bananas and water provided by Chartwells.

Natale said the day was all about community.

“You see people cheering not just for those crossing that finish line first, but for everyone,” Natale said. “It’s a really great day, with a lot of community and a lot of positive energy.” 

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