DeKALB, Ill.  – Northern Illinois University Athletics is inviting runners and walkers of all ages to celebrate the 2023 football season by registering now for the Third Annual First State Bank Opening Day 5K. Click here to register and for additional information.
 
This year's 5K will be held on Saturday, September 16 at the NIU North 40 Course beginning at 9 a.m. Site of the 2019 Mid-American Conference Cross Country Championships, the NIU North 40 Course is located behind Barsema Hall and the Engineering Building on the NIU campus, with ample parking in nearby lots.  Following the race, runners, walkers and watchers are invited to enjoy a FanFest with food and drinks available for purchase, sponsor booths with giveaways, and more.
 
Cost to register is just $10 for students, from elementary through college, and $30 for the general public. Huskie fans can also take advantage of an exclusive 5K Bundle which includes one general public entry to the First State Bank Opening Day 5K and a ticket to either the NIU Football 2023 home football opener versus Southern Illinois on September 9 at 2:30 p.m. OR the home game versus Tulsa on Saturday, September 23 (time TBA).
 
All participants in the 5K will receive a commemorative T-shirt and medal, while awards will be presented following the race to the top three men, women and student finishers, who also will receive two upgraded tickets each to the NIU-Tulsa game on September 23, along with passes to a VIP tailgate with complimentary food and beverages.  
 
Proceeds from the First State Bank Opening Day 5K benefit the NIU women's cross country team.
 
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