UCF and Track Shack: A Partnership That’s Still Running Strong

The tradition of lacing up for a fall race at the University of Central Florida stretches back nearly half a century, born from one professor’s vision and sustained by the heart of a community that never stopped running.

This year’s U Can Finish 5 Mile and 2 Mile races — presented by AdventHealth in partnership with Track Shack — will once again take participants on a scenic tour of the UCF campus. The event kicks off with the national anthem sung by the UCF Choir from the School of Performing Arts in the College of Arts and Humanities, and promises a festive atmosphere for runners and walkers alike.

Set for Sunday, October 12, 2025, the race includes high-quality finisher medals, a t-shirt, free race photos and a complimentary AdventHealth for Children Kids’ Run.

The roots of this tradition trace back to 1979, when psychology professor Richard Tucker joined forces with Track Shack co-founder Jon Hughes to launch the Threshold 5K Run. Their goal was to support a local nonprofit serving developmentally disabled and autistic youth and adults. What began with just 200 runners quickly grew into one of Central Florida’s most beloved races, drawing more than 1,200 participants by the late 1990s.

For two decades, Tucker managed the event himself to ensure that proceeds benefited Threshold. As UCF grew, so did Tucker’s areas of responsibility with the Department of Psychology, as well as other demands for his time.  “If it hadn’t been for Track Shack, I probably wouldn’t have kept it going,” Tucker recalls. “They were involved from the very beginning.”

After Tucker stepped away from the event, Track Shack partnered with UCF faculty to keep the tradition alive. By 2001, the event had evolved into the U Can Finish 5 Mile and 2 Mile. The name playfully flipped the old joke that UCF stood for “U Can’t Finish,” turning it into a rallying cry that reflects every Knight’s can-do, charge-on spirit.

Each fall, thousands of Knights, alumni and Orlando-area runners take on the challenge to prove that yes — you can finish. Walkers are encouraged to participate in all Track Shack races, and a virtual component allows runners to join from anywhere, at their own pace.

“AdventHealth’s continued partnership with Track Shack brings this much-anticipated event to a whole new level,” says Cheryl Cavaliere, a lecturer in UCF’s Department of Health Sciences and the UCF race site coordinator for U Can Finish. “They make it possible to have high-quality medals for our anticipated 2,000+ participants and also supply physical therapists who deliver whole-athlete care through injury assessments and foam-rolling demonstrations for runners and walkers.”

Cavaliere notes that the UCF Knight Runners — the running club at UCF — show up each year to race together. Many students from UCF’s registered student organizations also serve as cheer squads along the course, offering enthusiastic support.

“Graduate students from the Department of Health Sciences, UCF’s campus partner for the race, along with affiliated student organizations will be tabling at the event to share their creative projects inspired by their health and wellness activities,” Cavaliere adds.

For Alicia Albert, senior event director at Track Shack Events, the race is more than just a run. “The U Can Finish races are all about bringing people together for a fun, safe and welcoming experience, no matter your age or fitness level,” she says. “It’s a chance to celebrate healthy living, connect with others and be part of something uplifting. Partnering with UCF allows us to highlight the excitement of a dynamic university while creating meaningful connections with the Central Florida community.”

U Can Finish has become a signature UCF Homecoming tradition. Participants can choose the 2 Mile, the 5 Mile or take on the “Distance Dare” by running both. Student groups and cheer squads line the course, the UCF Choir sings the anthem, and Knightro is always ready for a high-five at the finish line.

For Tucker — who later chaired UCF’s psychology department, helped launch the LIFE at UCF program for lifelong learners and even ran the Boston Marathon twice — the races are more than just exercise. They’re part of UCF’s DNA. “I’m very proud to have been part of helping UCF grow,” he says. “It’s incredible to see what the university and the community have built together.”

Albert agrees. “This race unites UCF students, faculty and staff for a fun, feel-good activity that gives back to great causes — the Track Shack Youth Foundation and UCF,” she says. “It fosters school spirit, promotes wellness and strengthens ties between the university and the local community. With UCF at the heart of it all, providing a vibrant venue and enthusiastic support that amplifies the race’s impact.”

Tucker retired from UCF in 2006 as Emeritus Professor of Psychology and Aging Studies and continues to be a member of the group he founded, LIFE at UCF. He bikes around 60 miles a week, and though his marathon days are a little behind him, he has signed up for U Can Finish, and he is planning to run and walk the 2-mile event at age 86.

This year’s U Can Finish 5 Mile & 2 Mile takes place Sunday, October 12, 2025, on UCF’s main campus. Whether you’re an experienced runner, a first-timer or simply looking for a spirited way to celebrate Knight Nation, the finish line is waiting.

Register now with Track Shack to be part of the tradition.