Event invites campus and Las Cruces community for fitness, family fun and charitable giving

Karmina Conde, New Mexico State University

LAS CRUCES - New Mexico State University’s Marketing and Communications department will host the fourth annual Gratitude Walk/Run Saturday, Sept. 13, continuing a tradition that brings together the campus and Las Cruces community.

The event begins at the Horseshoe with a 5K at 9:15 a.m. and a 1-mile fun run at 9:30 a.m. Open to all ages and fitness levels, both routes take participants through campus landmarks including Aggie Memorial Stadium.

“The enthusiastic response we receive from our surrounding community each year is truly remarkable,” said Justin Bannister, chief of staff in the NMSU President’s Office. “We’re on pace to have yet another record turnout for this year’s event. I think this shows how deeply our community values the university and our campus.”

This year’s event will feature family fun activities, appearances by Pistol Pete and the cheer team, a garrison flag presentation by the NMSU Fire Department and a special appearance by Aggie Up, the NMSU hot-air balloon, weather permitting. Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations for the Aggie Cupboard, which supports NMSU students, faculty and staff facing food insecurity.

Registration is $20 for the 5K and $10 for the 1-mile fun run. Children 12 and under participate for free. Race bib pickup will be from 12 to 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12 at Corbett Center Student Union. 

For more information and to register online, visit nmsu.link/gratitude-2025.

Karmina Conde writes for New Mexico State University Marketing and Communications and can be reached at karmina8@nmsu.edu.