The Toloma 5k event has been moved to March 21st, 2026. Register Here!
We appreciate your understanding and support, and we look forward to seeing you soon!
UC Merced | 5200 N. Lake Road |Merced, CA 95343
In honor of Native American Heritage Month, UC Merced will host the annual Toloma* 5k fun run. Indigenous tribes of California have strong traditions of distance running, whether it be for communication or competition. For example, tribes of the Sierra Nevada foothills would designate "runners", or messengers, to keep the network of small communities informed. Others entered into competitive races with large prize pots for the winner, the largest being the 1927 "Redwood Highway Indian Marathon", a 480-mile footrace from San Francisco to Grants Pass, Oregon. Even the famed Western States 100-mile Endurance Run, the "oldest 100-mile trail race" is run through the rocky trade paths of the Paiute and Washoe tribes. In honor of this tradition, we invite the local tribes and the greater Merced community to celebrate with us to run alongside the "Beginnings" sculpture, along Scholars Bridge, and past the Toloma Grove Native acknowledgement and reflection area.
*Toloma means "Bobcat" in Miwuk
REGISTRATION:
- Early Bird Registration (Before Feb 1st): $20
- Regular Registration (After Feb 1st): $25
- Race Day Registration: $30
RACE DAY TIMELINE:
- Race Day at site registration from 7:00am-8:00am
- Race Day bib pick -up 7:00am-8:00am
- Race starts at 8:00am
- Free on-campus parking will be available in Bellevue Lot. Strollers are welcome
Free on-campus parking will be available in Bellevue Lot. Strollers are welcome.
FREE REGISTRATION FOR ALL KIDS 5 & UNDER.
VENDORS:
We welcome vendors offering crafts, jewelry, art, and cultural appreciation items, as well as community organizations providing health, education, and awareness resources. Click on the vendor fair registration link in the right column for more details.
CLICK HERE FOR FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
