College of Applied & Natural Sciences: Run for Research

College of Applied & Natural Sciences: Run for Research is held in Ruston, Louisiana, on October 24, 2026, with a 5K run and walk starting at 8:00 a.m. It takes place during Louisiana Tech University homecoming weekend and raises money for student research, so entering is a way to back the next generation of scientists and innovators. Medals go to finishers, and there are age-group awards as well.

An 8:00 a.m. start on a homecoming weekend means an early morning, but it also frees the rest of the day. For runners, the 5K is the easiest race to prepare for: four to six weeks of consistent running with one weekly session at hard effort will do it, and walkers can cover the same ground at their own pace. Whichever you choose, jog easy for ten minutes beforehand so the first half-mile does not catch you cold.