October 3, 2025/Midnight

Erie, PA. — Most college kids are not waking up before 8 a.m. on a Saturday morning to run a 5k race. However, several Gannon students, faculty, staff, and friends gathered at the Recreation and Wellness Center (RWC) bright and early to participate in the Knightmare Dash 5k.

This week’s edition of the Roundtable features two students who participated in the 5k. They were asked how they prepared for the race, and why they decided to sign up.

Zoe Gaetjens, a senior biology, pre-med major, is a part of the women’s wrestling team. She said she decided to sign up because some of her other teammates signed up. “Every Monday, the women’s wrestling team runs a 5k together, and I thought the Knightmare Dash would be a great way to represent our team,” said Gaetjents. “We had 5 wrestlers run the race who consistently train for 5k runs, so it was fun to run with each other in a more competitive environment.”

One of those teammates was Christina Chavez, a junior biology pre medicine major. She also decided to run the 5k because her teammates were participating. “I love the sense of community that running brings, and it was so encouraging to have people cheering us on at every corner,” said Chavez. “The energy of the event made it really fun, and it was a great way to spend time with teammates while supporting a campus tradition.”

This was the first year for the Knightmare Dash 5k, although Gannon has hosted other races in the past. The Activities Programming Board (APB) partnered with the RWC and Wolf Creek Race Management to host the event, and students, faculty and staff were able to participate for no cost. The route took participants throughout the West Bayfront neighborhood with a view of the water and changing leaves for most of the race.