The annual THON™ 5K powered by PNC is a highly anticipated event, bringing students, volunteers, and the community together in support of THON’s mission to fight childhood cancer. Whether volunteers arrive before dawn to set up the event or runners take the course for the first time, everyone plays a part in making the event a success.
Abby Rampage, a THON 2026 Communications Captain, said, “A lot goes in,” planning the THON 5K.
“[Rules and Regulations] and [Operations] have been here since four/five in the morning, setting up. They staff it all; they’ll probably leave at 6 pm. So, it’s a lot of just behind-the-scenes stuff. But all the captains are here, so it’s fun just being [here] to support everyone who plans it, just be here to hype everything up.”
The Operations (OPP) and Rules and Regulations (R&R) Committees are at the core of the event’s success, responsible for setting up tents, tables, and even the smallest details like trash cans. OPP Captain Ben Koleno added:
“This is like three or four weeks of planning for us. OPP, we’re responsible for all the tents, the tables, everything like that. We get here at 5 am and set everything up. Every little trash can, table, and everything. It’s planned out to a specific point and were just here and happy to be here.”
To offer another perspective, OPP captain Mia Nisivoccia said:
“It’s extremely rewarding to be the first to come set up the event, watch people enjoy, and keep it safe and clean the entire time. The whole community comes together to run the 5K and being able to reflect on that as I tear down at the end of the day,” makes it worthwhile.
Before the race, the vibes are high with a pep rally, face painting, THON raffles, and live music. Participants gather at food trucks, pose for pictures, dance with their friends, and share stories of why they THON, adding a personal and emotional connection to the event.
For many, this year was their first time participating in this race. Morgan McKenna and Caroline Maketch both shared their enthusiasm for participating for the first time. Kiley Canimore shared, “This is my first 5K running, but previously I’ve been on the photography committee.”
Runner Jayda Bowdem summarized the atmosphere of the day, “It feels really good to be out here in the morning, having the dogs out and just having a good time and supporting a good thing.” Community members even bring their dogs, letting the furry friends join in on the fun.
No matter the role, everyone involved shared one thing: pride in supporting THON’s mission and embracing the community that stands behind it.
To ensure that THON is able to donate 96 cents of every dollar raised to Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital, we heavily rely on donor support. These donations provide us the resources to create endless memories for our Four Diamonds families & foster a deep love & connection to our mission for our volunteers through Pre-THON Events, alternative fundraisers, & THON Weekend.
