WesternU brings campus and Pomona community together at 10th annual 5K & 10K

More than 1,200 runners and walkers took to the streets of downtown Pomona on Oct. 17, 2026, for the 10th annual Pomona 5K & 10K, with Western University of Health Sciences (WesternU) serving as a presenting sponsor and bringing students, employees and community members together in a celebration of fitness, wellness and community engagement.

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The race route included a portion of the Esplanade on the WesternU California campus. The University also hosted a Health and Wellness Resource Fair, where students and faculty preceptors provided free health screenings, consultations, information and resources to participants and community members.

More than 225 WesternU students and employees expressed interest in the University's race giveaway, joining Team WesternU.

"On behalf of Western University of Health Sciences, we are proud to be a presenting sponsor for this wonderful event," said Stephen Quintero, a native of Pomona and WesternU digital marketing communications specialist in Marketing & Communications. "At WesternU, we believe that promoting health goes beyond the classroom and the clinic. It means being present, building relationships, and making a positive difference in the communities we serve.

"The City of Pomona is more than our home-it's our partner. Our relationship with this community is central to who we are and why we do what we do," Quintero added. "We are committed to working alongside Pomona residents to support healthier families, stronger neighborhoods, and a healthier future for everyone."

WesternU Campus Store Buyer Kayla Porter, left, COMP alumna Genevieve Buenaflor, DO '05, and, Associate Director of Alumni Engagement Elly Khosravi. (Jeff Malet, WesternU)

As a presenting sponsor, WesternU received race registrations to distribute through the generosity of the Office of the President and Marketing & Communications. WesternU's Executive Student Government Association purchased additional registrations to give away to students.

To help unite Team WesternU, MarCom purchased and distributed to WesternU race participants performance T-shirts featuring a design by Graphic Design Manager Debra Nelson. Multimedia Manager Jeff Malet, the team captain, coordinated the giveaway and communications, providing race updates and information to participants leading up to the event.

"One of the most rewarding parts of being Team WesternU captain is bringing our University community together to run and walk alongside the broader Pomona community," Malet said. "As someone who loves running, I know how powerful it can be in connecting people, building relationships and creating a sense of belonging. From coordinating our giveaway and communications to seeing students and employees come together on race day, it's a joy to share that passion for movement and community with others. That's what makes the Pomona 5K & 10K so special."

WesternU also celebrated an individual athletic achievement. College of Dental Medicine student Michalina "Mickey" Fili, Class of 2029, a former U.S. Rowing athlete, placed first among women in the 10K with a time of 38 minutes, 53 seconds.

College of Dental Medicine (CDM) student Michalina "Mickey" Fili (middle), Class of 2029, placed first among women in the 10K. She is surrounded by fellow CDM students Sameh Eskandafi, left and Alexis Morales, right. (Steven Webber, WesternU)

"I just wanted to get out there and have a good race," Fili said. "I wanted to make it hurt and feel competitive. I love racing, and it's always an honor to get out here and represent Team WesternU, especially the College of Dental Medicine! ONE TEAM."

She added, "keep flossing before bed, friends."

The University's Health and Wellness Resource Fair featured about 100 students and faculty preceptors across seven areas offering health information, screenings and resources.

Participating programs and organizations included:

• Osteopathic medicine: College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific students and Dr. Krista Lund provided osteopathic manipulative medicine and osteopathic manipulative treatment services.
• Podiatric medicine: College of Podiatric Medicine students and preceptor Dr. Wathmi Wijesinghe provided foot screenings.
• Dental medicine: College of Dental Medicine students from the Hispanic Student Dental Association and preceptor Dr. Bertha Alarcon provided dental screenings.
• Nutrition and body mass index: The student chapter of the California Society of Health-System Pharmacists and College of Graduate Nursing students, with preceptor Dr. Ruth Trudgeon, shared nutrition information and BMI assessments.
• Blood glucose and blood pressure: The Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy student chapter and preceptor Dr. Ruth Trudgeon provided screenings.
• Physical therapy: Doctor of Physical Therapy students and preceptor Dr. Tammie Keller Johnson offered strength and flexibility assessments.
• WesternU Health: Representatives shared information about health services and resources.
• Office of the President: Staff distributed University-branded giveaways and helped distribute Team WesternU shirts on the morning of the race.

WesternU's participation in the milestone event reflected its commitment to community engagement and its mission to improve health and well-being. By supporting the race, bringing together a large University team and providing health resources, WesternU helped make the 10th annual Pomona 5K & 10K an opportunity for connection, movement and community health.