On Saturday, Oct. 4, the Lauren McCluskey Foundation hosted the annual Race for Campus Safety event in Pullman, with the main area at the WSU VetMed parking lot. The event brought the community closer together to learn, connect, and take collective action against domestic violence. Participants of all ages were welcome to join the race, volunteer, or participate in educational booths.
The significance of this event surrounds Lauren McCluskey’s passion for running. McCluskey participated in track throughout her youth and continued in her college career. Despite making multiple reports of stalking from a man she briefly dated to the University of Utah police, the system failed her, and she was killed by her stalker.
Two distances were available: a 1k and a 5k race. Community members of all ages came prepared to run and walk together. Many families attended with their children, grandparents, and some brought their dogs along. In 2024, over 800 participants were present. This year, a larger turnout was expected with about 1,000 participants.
Student volunteers Tawny Eastman and Laine Bennett shared it was their first time participating in volunteering at the race.
“There were little kids, a little 1k, and there were people from out of town that came,” said Eastman. “Lauren’s family is here because they live in Pullman, and they spoke.”
Student volunteers found the opportunity through their criminal justice and violence towards women class. Student discounts brought ticket prices to $13. All proceeds directly support the foundation’s research, advocacy, and programming for campus safety. The website also offered a link to become a fundraiser for the event. Stands present included Moose Lodge, Toyota, Ziply Fiber, and Cougs Don’t Haze. Information about campus safety was available at these booths, and volunteers were happy to answer any questions participants had.
Pullman’s Moose Lodge provided food for the fundraising event. Moose Lodge members mentioned that they try to come to as many events supporting similar causes. It is a nonprofit that supports children so that they can go to school, do music, sports, and ROTC.
“There are a couple of us in our lodge who are closely connected to the McCluskey’s. One of our members was actually a daycare teacher for them when they were little. So this is close to our heart,” said Angela Broadbent, a Moose Lodge member.
The group has been in Pullman since 1913, and this is their second year participating in the Lauren McCluskey Race for Campus Safety.
Eastman also shared that the event helps a lot of people by providing resources. Many hungry runners and visitors ordered hamburgers at the Moose Lodge booth. Sponsors present were available to provide information, and runners collected their medals at the front of the lot. The event was lively, positive, and even featured a balloon arch at the entrance.
