Outrun the Hackers 5K
It's Cybersecurity Awareness Month and what better way to raise cyber awareness than to Outrun the Hackers!!! October 21, 2026 | Harrisburg, Pennsylvania | 3:00pm
Join Harrisburg University, InfraGard Central PA, cybersecurity professionals, students, government leaders, industry partners, and community members for the inaugural Outrun the Hackers 5K—a unique community event celebrating Cybersecurity Awareness Month and promoting cyber resilience, wellness, and community engagement. Whether you're a seasoned runner or casual walker, this event offers a fun and meaningful way to get some fresh air and connect with the cybersecurity community while enjoying a beautiful run through Pennsylvania's Capital City.
Event Schedule
- Registration & Check-In: 1:30 PM (City Island Carousel Pavilion)
- Opening Remarks: 2:45 PM
- Outrun the Hackers 5K Start: 3:00 PM
- Awards Ceremony: 4:15 PM (approximately)
Rain or Shine
What You Get
- Official Outrun the Hackers 5K race t-shirt*
- Professional chip timing and race results (Pretzelcitysports.com)
- Finisher medal for all participants*
- Awards for top overall male and female finishers
- Awards for top finishers in each age group
- Post-race refreshments and snacks
- Great memories, photos, and an opportunity to support cybersecurity awareness and education
Shirt sizes and medals are guaranteed for participants registered by the early registration deadline. Late registrations while supplies last.
Awards Categories
Awards will be presented to the top male and female finishers in the following age groups: 10 & Under, 11–14, 15–19, 20–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69, 70+.
Cyber-Themed Course Experience
As you make your way through the course, you'll encounter cybersecurity-themed mile markers, motivational checkpoints, and "hacker" zones where you will have the opportunity to truly "Outrun the Hackers":
- Mile 1 – Phishing Defense Zone
- Mile 2 – Zero Trust Corridor
- Mile 3 – AI Defender Sprint
Participants are encouraged to wear cybersecurity-themed attire, company/organization shirts, team uniforms, or creative hacker-inspired costumes.
Safety Information
- Professional medical personnel and EMS support will be on-site.
- Water stations will be available along the course and at the finish line.
- Harrisburg Police and event volunteers will provide traffic control and participant safety.
- The course will be clearly marked and staffed by volunteers.
Course Information
5k Path: The course starts at the Carousel Pavilion on City Island, loops around City Island, crosses the pedestrian Walnut Street Bridge, continues to the left along Front Street, turns around near the Harvey Taylor Bridge / Forester St. intersection, then returns the same way. See map in the "Pics" tab. Additionally, Click Here to see the route we'll take from start to finish!
City Island is ADA compliant/wheelchair & stroller friendly with port-a-potties and parking available.
Proceeds benefit the Harrisburg University Cybersecurity Student Scholarship Fund.
Packet Pickup
- Pre-race packet pickup information, including dates, times, and locations, will be announced prior to race day.
- Participants may also pick up their race packets during event-day registration and check-in.
Supporting Cybersecurity Awareness
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a national effort dedicated to educating individuals, businesses, schools, and communities on how to stay safe and secure online.
By participating in the Outrun the Hackers 5K, you are helping raise awareness about cybersecurity education, workforce development, digital safety, and cyber resilience throughout our communities.
Recognition
Special thanks to Harrisburg University, InfraGard Central PA, our sponsors, volunteers, community partners, and the City of Harrisburg for helping make this event possible. Together, we can build stronger, safer, and more cyber-aware communities.
Ready to Outrun the Hackers? Register today and join us at the starting line!