On Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, TCU students will gather at Frog Fountain for the 28th annual Theta CASA 5K around TCU’s campus, blending tradition, service and spirited community engagement.

The race begins at 8:30 a.m. with TCU sorority, Kappa Alpha Theta, members stationed throughout the course to cheer on participants and encourage every runner crossing the finish line.

“For each $1,000 raised, a Court Appointed Special Advocate, or CASA, is trained,” Grace Schafhauser, Theta’s Chapter President, said. “That means more children in Tarrant County gain access to consistent advocacy and support.”

The event honors Tracy Clark, class of 1993, whose vision for a 5K inspired the first Breakaway run in 1997. After her passing, the race was renamed the CASA 5K.

Since 1999, TCU Theta has organized the 5K to benefit CASA of Tarrant County and the Kappa Alpha Theta Foundation, directly supporting children in foster care.

“It’s a tradition where more than half of runners return each year. Students, alumni and families join in because the purpose of supporting children transcends the finish line,” Sam Steensland, Theta Vice President of External Affairs, said.

The atmosphere on race day reflects months of preparation, with Thetas energizing students and the local community through fundraising events, colorful posters and campus-wide outreach to maximize both participation and support.

“Each CASA volunteer ensures children in foster care are not lost in the system,” Victoria McKeon, CASA Development Director, said. “They are a steady, caring presence when it matters most.” 

In past years, participation has neared 1,000 runners, including students, professors, alumni and Fort Worth residents. That diversity creates an atmosphere where every runner feels connected to something larger.

The tradition also provides a teaching moment for Thetas. Members take leadership roles in planning, fundraising and managing the event, gaining practical experience while embodying their mission of service.

For students new to campus, the 5K offers an immediate connection. Whether running, volunteering, or cheering, they step into a decades-long legacy of service alongside fellow Horned Frogs.

For TCU students, the Theta CASA 5K offers more than miles—it offers meaning. By participating, cheering, or donating, they ensure “Every Mile, Every Child” truly counts.

For those interested in running, sign-ups are available until the race starts at 8:30 a.m. on September 14 for $20, offering both timed and untimed options.