A Passion for Running Becomes a National Movement Supporting Black Students and Alumni

What began as a casual jog between two fraternity brothers in Atlanta has transformed into one of the most anticipated wellness and scholarship events for historically Black college and university (HBCU) alumni in the country. Marck Dorvil, a Florida A&M University graduate, has grown the HBCU Alumni 5K Run/Walk into a movement that promotes fitness, raises funds for scholarships, and unites Black communities in meaningful, empowering ways.

Each year, the event attracts thousands of alumni, families, and first-time runners across cities including Atlanta, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia—marking nearly two decades of momentum. With its 18th annual race approaching, Dorvil’s initiative is no longer just a run. It’s a cultural tradition.

A Vision Born From Brotherhood

The story starts in 2007, with a simple desire: to stay connected and stay active. Dorvil and his Omega Psi Phi fraternity brother, Travis Roberts, wanted to create a space where Black alumni could bond over shared experiences, legacy, and the joy of physical activity. That shared vision became the blueprint for the HBCU Alumni 5K Run/Walk, which kicked off its first event in Atlanta that same year.

The race quickly gained traction. What was once a grassroots initiative is now an expansive, multi-city campaign that merges wellness with purpose—raising tens of thousands of dollars for scholarships each year.

Community, Culture, and Consistency

The secret to the run’s lasting success lies in its approach: community first. Participants aren’t just showing up to compete—they’re showing up for connection. The event celebrates HBCU pride, often featuring marching bands, sorority and fraternity strolls, and a family reunion–like atmosphere.

Whether you’re an avid runner or just coming to walk, the experience is inclusive and intentional. Newcomers are welcomed, and alumni from all class years find space to reconnect. The sense of belonging is as palpable as the cause itself.

Dorvil’s Drive: Running With Purpose

Dorvil’s commitment to the cause stems from his own experience as a student who benefited from scholarships and mentorship. He has long believed in the power of giving back—and his run is a vehicle for just that.

Through his leadership, the event has expanded its impact across multiple regions, with each city chapter responsible for organizing local race-day logistics and identifying scholarship recipients. The goal: to build hyper-local support systems while maintaining the race’s national identity.

In every city, proceeds benefit students from the surrounding region attending HBCUs, reinforcing a loop of giving that touches past, present, and future graduates.

More Than Miles: The Real Impact of the HBCU 5K

The event has become a reliable fundraising engine for students in need. Each year, money raised supports scholarships that help lessen the financial burden of higher education for Black scholars—many of whom represent the first generation in their families to attend college.

Beyond financial support, the run fosters wellness in Black communities where access to recreational fitness programming can be limited. By normalizing running, walking, and group fitness as cultural experiences, the event challenges outdated perceptions of who belongs in wellness spaces.

Key achievements to date include:

• Annual participation in three major cities: Atlanta, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia
• More than 100 scholarships awarded since its inception
• Engagement with over 5,000 participants across all cities
• Support for both undergraduate and graduate-level students
• Strong partnerships with local businesses and HBCU alumni chapters

Why It Matters: Celebrating Dorvil’s Focus on Legacy

The focus keyword, dorvil, represents more than one man—it symbolizes the power of an idea sustained by passion and community investment. Dorvil has never strayed from the event’s core: supporting HBCU students and encouraging lifelong wellness.

His model offers a roadmap for grassroots leadership—one where joy and giving go hand-in-hand. Each year’s event builds on the last, inspiring attendees to return, invite others, and become part of a growing legacy.

As the HBCU Alumni 5K approaches its 20-year milestone, its roots remain strong, and its reach continues to expand. What began as a run has become a rite of passage.