The 2026 Raft Weekend kicked off Saturday around 9 a.m. in front of the OSU, where over 575 people registered and more than 600 people were in attendance to witness/participate in the 5-kilometer (about 3 mile) race around the Cal State Monterey Bay campus.
This year’s Monte 5k shirt design was so popular that they ran out quickly and had to use last year’s shirts as a back up.
“You don’t actually need to be good at running to do this. I haven’t run more than a mile ever in my entire life…and here I am doing 5 kilometers,” said Raimund Warbasse, a third year mechatronics engineering student.
Proceeds ($20 from each registration fee went directly to the student scholarship), tickets were previously set at $20 and then bumped up to $40 ten days before the event. Registration quickly filled up a week before the event was supposed to take place.
Before the race started, a moment was held for the National Anthem to be played, a brief moment for stretching and a group photo session also took place before the announcement was made that this was one of the largest groups to participate in the 5k in the three years it has been going on.
A first aid booth and booth with small oranges/granola bars were also at the finish line for people to access. CSUMB staff and alumni cheered on in different sections along the way with signs, pom poms, and exciting energy.
“This event was absolutely incredible, I was feeling hyped ever since they said that this year was the one that had the most people that were running…There was some incredible vibes just before the race even started, and everybody was hyping each other up,” said this year’s winner, Hayden Crippen (who ran a time of 17 minutes, 45 seconds). Crippen is a fourth year Humanities and Communications student.
“Everyone has their own race, don’t compare yourself to others; don’t get in your head. Just get out there, put the work in…The only person you have to beat, is your yesterday self. Do not be afraid to chase your dreams, do not be afraid to push yourself harder than you ever pushed yourself before,” said Crippen.
People were also using the Monte’s 5k and The Strength of US CSUMB backdrops for photos with their medals, and a photo with Monte himself.
Another event also being held in the main quad from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. was MB Madness where carnival games, free food, prizes and live music (from a cover band) were available for all people present or passing by.
A large assortment of red and white striped tents full of carnival style games in front of the Dining Commons, with games such as: Flip The Frog, Roller Bowler, Dunk Shot, and more.
A family friendly and oriented event where students, staff, and parents can all unwind from the stress of work, school, etc. Other activities included: a giant chessboard laid out in the grass, giant jenga blocks, corn hole, and way more fun things to do. About 20 giant circular tables and lawn chairs were laid out for people to sit down and enjoy the music and entertainment.