Columbia NorCal Alumni - YMCA Lunar New Year 5K/10K Run/Walk in SF
- Date
- 2026-03-01
- Location
- San Francisco, CA, USA
- Host
- Personal
About this event
Start your Sunday with fresh air, Bay views, and a roomful of people who are up for more than small talk. The Columbia NorCal Alumni - YMCA Lunar New Year 5K/10K Run/Walk in San Francisco brings together movement, community, and a seasonal reason to gather, giving alumni and friends a simple, energizing way to connect before the rest of the city fully wakes up. This is the kind of event that makes networking feel natural: you meet people while warming up, walking side by side, or catching your breath after a strong finish. Whether you come to run, walk, reconnect, or just start the day with a clear head and good company, you will leave having done something real together. About the Event This is an in-person community run/walk in San Francisco timed around Lunar New Year, with both 5K and 10K options so attendees can choose the distance that fits their pace, energy, and morning goals. The format is welcoming by design: competitive runners can treat it as a focused workout, while walkers and casual participants can take a more social approach and still be fully part of the experience. The event sits at the intersection of a few strong themes: community, movement, seasonal celebration, and alumni connection. It offers a straightforward way to spend time with fellow Columbia NorCal alumni and adjacent community members outside of a formal indoor setting, where conversation tends to be more relaxed and memorable. There is also something fitting about the event's lunar framing. Lunar New Year is often associated with renewal, intention, and starting the year with purpose. A morning run or walk is a practical, grounded way to mark that energy: show up early, move your body, and begin the day with people who care about showing up too. What to Expect Expect an early-morning, in-person gathering with a clear structure and a casual, upbeat feel. Attendees will arrive in San Francisco, check in with the group, and get settled before the run/walk begins. Because there are two route lengths, you can choose the version of the morning that makes the most sense for you. A typical flow for the event will likely feel something like this: Arrival before the start to meet other attendees and get oriented A brief welcome and logistics check before the group gets moving Choice of a 5K or 10K run/walk depending on your preference Time for informal conversation before and after the route A satisfying post-event window to cool down, introduce yourself, and make plans to stay in touch The experience should feel accessible whether you are coming solo or with friends. Solo attendees will have an easy entry point because the activity itself creates natural openings for conversation. If you have ever found traditional mixers a little stiff, this format solves that problem by giving everyone something immediate to do together. You should also expect a wide range of pacing and goals. Some people will want to challenge themselves on the 10K, some will prefer a steady 5K, and others may treat the morning primarily as a walk-and-talk. All of those approaches make sense here. Why Attend The most obvious reason to attend is that it is a healthy, social way to spend a Sunday morning in San Francisco. But the stronger reason is that it creates a kind of connection that is harder to manufacture in typical networking events. When people share an activity, conversations become less performative and more useful. If you are part of the Columbia NorCal alumni community, this is a chance to reconnect in a format that feels active and local rather than formal. If you are newer to the area or have been meaning to meet more people, a run/walk is one of the easiest ways to enter a community without needing a polished introduction or an agenda beyond showing up. There is also real value in the event's timing. A 7:15 AM start attracts people who are willing to make the effort, which often leads to a grounded, engaged group. You are not squeezing this in after a long day; you are building the day around it. That tends to produce better conversations, more follow-through, and a stronger shared sense of momentum. You may leave with: New alumni and local community connections A stronger start to your weekend than another indoor coffee meet-up A personal win, whether that means finishing a 10K or simply getting out the door early A meaningful way to mark the Lunar New Year season through action rather than intention alone Practical Details This is an in-person event in San Francisco, USA on Sunday, March 1 at 7:15 AM PST. It is an early start, so plan accordingly: give yourself enough time to arrive, get oriented, and be ready to move at the scheduled start time rather than showing up right as things begin. Because this is a run/walk, the practical approach is simple. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes you can move in, and come prepared for a cool San Francisco morning. If you prefer a particular pace, distance, or warm-up routine, factor that into your arrival time so you can settle in without rushing. A few useful mindset notes: You do not need to be an elite runner to belong here The 5K and 10K options make the event flexible for different fitness levels Coming solo is completely normal and likely common Early events reward a little preparation the night before If you want a Sunday plan that combines exercise, conversation, and community in a way that feels easy rather than forced, this event makes a strong case for getting up early. Show up ready to move, say hello, and start the day with people you may be genuinely glad to know.
Who should attend
If you like your community events to feel active, social, and low-pressure, this will likely be a strong fit. - You are a **Columbia NorCal alum** looking for an easier, more natural way to reconnect than a standard mixer or panel event. - You want to meet **thoughtful, locally engaged people** in San Francisco while doing something concrete together. - You enjoy **running or walking**, whether you are training seriously, getting back into a routine, or simply prefer movement over standing around with a name tag. - You are drawn to the **Lunar New Year** spirit of renewal and want to mark the season with an activity that feels purposeful and energizing. - You are new to the area, coming on your own, or hoping to expand your circle through a format where conversation happens more easily. - You appreciate **early-morning plans** that leave you feeling accomplished before most of the day has started. If you want an event where you can show up as you are, choose your pace, and leave having made real connections, this is for you.