The 4th Year 5K is a longstanding UVA tradition presented by the Peer Health Educators. This race is held annually on the day of the last home football game, as this is one of the highest risk times for students when it comes to alcohol. The goal of the race is to promote healthy behaviors and broad community engagement. At a University that cherishes its traditions, the 4th Year 5K is consistently on the list of 100 things for students to complete before graduation.
The race is held in memoriam of Leslie Baltz, a fourth year student at UVA who died in 1997 on the evening of the last home football game as a result of a high-risk drinking accident. The Leslie Baltz Foundation is an art history scholarship fund that was established by the Baltz family and friends to honor Leslie's memory. The PHE's are proud to collaborate with the Baltz family and friends by holding the 4th Year 5K and donating proceeds from the race to the Leslie Baltz Foundation in honor of Leslie.