Monte’s 5K is high point of RAFT Weekend

By Theo DeRosa

Preparing to host the third annual Monte’s 5K isn’t easy. But to Matthew McCluney, director of campus planning and development for Cal State Monterey Bay, “it’s a labor of love.”

That goes for the run’s participants, too. Close to 600 registrants are expected for Monte’s 5K, which starts at 9 a.m., Oct. 11. The event is a focal point of the three-day Reunion And Family Traditions, or RAFT, Weekend, which begins Oct. 10. Otter mascot Monte Rey will start runners (and walkers and rollers) on a route that winds through campus. 

Proceeds from the event go toward the university’s scholarship fund. Last year’s 5K raised more than $5,000 in scholarship money.

“On its surface, this event raises money that allows students to access higher education, but it is also a community point of connection,” McCluney said. “To do both has been our goal, and we’ve been successful so far. We’re very proud of that.”

RAFT Weekend is CSUMB’s annual homecoming event. Just as sea otters link paws to create a raft while out on the water, RAFT Weekend brings together students, faculty and staff, alumni and community members from all over.

Otter Student Union director Jeffrey Rensel has noticed quite a variety of 5K participants since the event began. 

“We see alumni with strollers,” he said. “We see community members in running clubs. We see faculty, staff, administrators all participating with the students.”

CSUMB has also rolled out the free MB FLOW training program, an eight-week course designed by kinesiology faculty Sara Powell and Lisa Leininger to help aspiring runners get ready for the 5K (the event also offers a one-mile option). The Otter Student Union will serve as the start and finish line for the run, and the route serves as an excellent tour of campus, passing by housing areas, academic buildings and athletic facilities.

"It's been a really great opportunity for the community to become familiar with the campus environment," McCluny said. 

During RAFT Weekend, CSUMB will host a variety of events aimed at fostering community engagement, crucial for a young campus that just celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2024.

The Friday Mountain Bike Ride will start things off, followed by the Werk Witch drag show on Friday night in the OSU Ballroom. On Saturday, those looking to cool off after Monte’s 5K can take part in the “Run. Refuel. Reunite.” event from 10 a.m. to noon at The Brass Tap in Marina.

The MB Madness carnival, featuring live music, food vendors, field competitions and more, will also kick off at 10 a.m. Saturday, another way for 5K runners to wind down. Students can also enjoy a bike ride along the coastal trail to Monterey (10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday).

Sunday’s action begins with a brunch with CSUMB president Vanya Quiñones (10:30 - 11:30 a.m. in the OSU Ballroom). Alumni can take part in a wine blending event at The Wine Experience in Monterey. And a Paint & Sip event featuring handcrafted mocktails (2 - 4 p.m. in the west lounge of Building 12) concludes RAFT Weekend festivities.

“It’s a fun and exciting weekend, for sure,” Rensel said.