Alvernia University
10/13/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/13/2025 14:51
Homecoming and Family Weekend mixes tried-and-true traditions with new offerings
PHOTO: Liz Sweeney of Sinking Spring won the inaugural Pack Dash 5K.
Weekend activities finished on Sunday morning with a finish line when the Pack Dash 5K brought a race back to campus. Starting and ending at the PLEX, the hilly course snaked through Angelica Park, Berks Nature and the Hill Campus.
"It was wonderful to see so many people come together for this year's Pack Dash 5K," said race organizer Felicia Nelson, associate director of student activities. "We're grateful to everyone who joined in to give back to our community and help raise funds for the Hope Fund and Clare's Cupboard. Seeing 61 runners out on the course made for an inspiring and successful day."
Liz Sweeney of Sinking Spring led the race from start to finish, crossing the line in under 19 minutes, a speedy time made even more impressive by the fact that she only recently returned to running after a decade-plus gap that followed her becoming a mother.
"Around this time last year, I started running again," she said. "I was really out of shape. I started going to the gym, doing some strength training. And then, I did a Thanksgiving Day race, and then I thought, 'Well, I'll race my way back into shape.' I've been trying to do a race almost every weekend."
Sweeney enjoyed the course, a mix of trails and road.
"Flat courses are nice when you're trying to get a personal record, but I like that the hills made it a little more challenging," she said.
Alvernia Director of Website and Editorial Content Jon Fassnacht was the top male finisher, placing second overall.
"I loved running the Beat Beethoven 5K/10K when it was held here, so I was thrilled to be on the Pack Dash committee," he said. "You never know how a race will do in its first year, especially considering how many are held throughout the region. It was gratifying to see a strong turnout. And to top it off, I crossed the finish line with a personal best time."
Homecoming & Family Weekend 2026 will run from October 9 to 11.
Alvernia University published this content on October 13, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on October 13, 2025 at 20:51 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]