Since taking its first steps at Idlewild Park in 2019, the R5K has grown alongside Nevada’s recovery community. This September, they move forward together once more, celebrating every milestone, every breakthrough, and the shared strength of their journeys.

Nevada’s Recovery and Prevention (NRAP) will bring runners, walkers, families, students and supporters back to Idlewild Park on Saturday, Sept. 26, for the R5K Run/Walk and Recovery Celebration. The annual event brings the University of Nevada, Reno and Northern Nevada communities together during National Recovery Month to celebrate recovery, connect people with resources and show support for those whose lives have been impacted by substance use.

The 5K begins at 9 a.m., but crossing the finish line is only part of the morning. A recovery celebration will follow with food, music, vendors and opportunities to connect with community organizations. Participants can run or walk the course, volunteer at the event or simply come out to celebrate and show their support.

Showing up for recovery

Josh Garn, Ph.D., associate dean of academic affairs and associate professor of epidemiology, sees the R5K as a family tradition and a meaningful way to support the recovery community. 

“My family and I look forward to the R5K every year because it brings so many parts of our community together for something that really matters," said Garn. "You don’t have to be a runner to participate. You can walk, volunteer, bring your family or cheer people on. It’s a fun morning, but you’re also showing people in recovery that their University and their community are behind them.”

That sense of community is at the heart of the R5K and the work happening throughout the year through NRAP.

Creating a recovery community for students

NRAP is a student-focused collegiate recovery program coordinated by the Center for the Application of Substance Abuse Technologies (CASAT), a center within the School of Public Health. The program provides peer support and a welcoming space in the William Raggio Building for students in recovery or choosing a substance-free lifestyle.

For students, that means having a place on campus where they can connect with peers, find support and participate in college life while prioritizing their recovery or substance-free choices.

NRAP is also part of CASAT’s broader commitment to substance use prevention, treatment and recovery. CASAT’s work includes education and training for students and professionals, evidence-based and evidence-informed programs, and initiatives addressing substance use throughout Nevada.

That connection between campus support and CASAT’s broader mission is part of what Michelle Berry, MBA, executive director of CASAT, sees reflected in the R5K.

"Watching the R5k grow into its sixth year has been incredible," said Michelle Berry, MBA, executive director of CASAT. "Every year we see more students, families and community members come together to walk, run and celebrate recovery openly. That visibility matters - it tells people in recovery, or considering it, that they are not alone and that this community will support them."

Celebrating recovery, together

September is National Recovery Month, an opportunity to celebrate recovery and recognize the people, families, peers, professionals and communities that help make it possible.

For NRAP Project Director Daniel Fred, the significance of the R5K goes beyond one morning in September. It is a chance for students to see recovery celebrated openly and supported across campus and the broader community.

"The most important thing NRAP does is let students know they don't have to do this alone. Recovery Month gives us a chance to say that openly, as a whole community. Every step someone takes at the R5K reminds our students that recovery is celebrated here, and that they have a community standing with them," he said.

The support surrounding NRAP also reflects the School of Public Health’s broader commitment to addressing substance use and creating environments where people and communities can thrive.

"The most important thing NRAP does is let students know they don't have to do this alone. Recovery Month gives us a chance to say that openly, as a whole community. Every step someone takes at the R5K reminds our students that recovery is celebrated here, and that they have a community standing with them." Daniel Fred

Muge Akpinar-Elci, M.D., MPH, dean of the School of Public Health, sees that support as an important part of the School’s public health mission.

“Supporting recovery is public health in action," she said. "It means creating environments where people have access to resources, connection and opportunities to thrive. NRAP does that for our students every day, and the R5K gives all of us a chance to stand alongside them. I am proud to see our School of Public Health community continue to show up, year after year, to celebrate recovery and remind our students that they are part of a community that supports their success.”

The School of Public Health and CASAT are grateful for the partners and supporters who help make the R5K possible and advance the work NRAP does for the campus community. This year’s supporters bring together partners from across the University and health care community, including Renown Health, the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine and Meridian Health.

Paul J. Hauptman, M.D., dean of the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, shared the School of Medicine’s support for the event. “The University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine is proud to support the NRAP R5k Run/Walk & Recovery celebration. We are committed to promoting community health and wellness, and to supporting students gain access to mental health services. The ability to connect with our students and community members through this event is an essential part of delivering on our vision of A Healthy Nevada for all," he said.

Run, walk, volunteer or celebrate

There are plenty of ways to take part in this year’s R5K. Community members can register to run or walk the 5K, volunteer to help make the event possible, support a participant or sponsor, or simply come to Idlewild Park and join the celebration.

The R5K begins at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at Idlewild Park, with the Recovery Celebration immediately following. Whether running, walking, volunteering, cheering from the sidelines or joining the celebration afterward, everyone has an opportunity to be part of the R5K and show their support for recovery.

Registration, volunteer opportunities and sponsorship information are available through the NRAP R5K website.