The Troy University Biology Department will host a 5K Arboretum Fund Run on Nov. 30 with the proceeds benefitting the Troy University Arboretum. 

The race, which will be held at the Arboretum, will begin at 9 a.m., and the entry fee is $5 for students and $10 for nonstudents. Registration is available online at https://runsignup.com/Race/AL/Troy/ArboretumFundRunK.

The race will begin and end at the Arboretum. Participants will run to the entry of the park and turn around to run back to the trailhead (MEADOW). The course will then proceed around the lake and then back to the Arboretum. The course consists of two laps around the lake and will be clearly marked for runners.

Following the race, refreshments will be available for participants, and awards will be presented to the first, second and third place finishers in both the male and female divisions.

Funds raised from the race will go to the Arboretum Fund and be used to purchase needed equipment and supplies to help maintain and further develop TROY’s Arboretum. 

The arboretum encompasses 75-acres and features seven and a half miles of nature trails, over 500 identified plant species, a pond, an outdoor classroom and an indoor classroom. Restoration efforts began in early 2022 when care of the arboretum was transferred back under the wing of Dr. Alvin Diamond and the College of Arts and Sciences. Since then, and with the help of a team of volunteers from across the University and community, extensive work has been done to return the grounds to its former glory. 

The Arboretum also serves as a readily accessible area to the University and the city of Troy for such activities as picnics, bird watching and the simple enjoyment of nature. The Arboretum is open to the public from sunrise until sunset seven days a week. To learn more about TROY’s Arboretum, visit the website.