Each year in late April, as spring settles over DePauw University, the campus transforms with the arrival of one of its most anticipated traditions: Little 5. What began in 1956 as a small fundraising bike race has grown into a weeklong celebration that blends competition, service and community spirit.
Little 5 originated when the Union Board organized a men’s cycling race to benefit the American Cancer Society. Initially held on the streets of Greencastle, the race later moved to Blackstock Stadium, where it adopted a relay format. Today, the event has returned to the streets in a dynamic, multi-day format that reflects both its history and its evolution.
While racing remains at the heart of Little 5, the modern celebration extends far beyond competition. The week begins with a strong focus on community impact. On Monday, April 13, students and Greencastle residents came together for Supermarket Sweep, a daylong effort supporting the Putnam County Pantry Coalition. From 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., participants shop at Kroger to donate food, funds and gift cards, addressing food insecurity across the region. Over the past four years, this initiative has raised more than $28,000 in donations, with a goal of $10,000 set for this year alone.
The week continues Tuesday evening with one of the most lighthearted traditions: the tricycle race. Held on East College Lawn and Stewart Plaza, the event draws crowds as students compete on trikes, earning points for their teams while creating a playful and energetic atmosphere that contrasts with the intensity of the main races.
On Thursday, April 16, the focus shifts again to service. In partnership with the Indiana Recovery Alliance, students assemble and distribute naloxone (Narcan) kits to address substance use challenges identified in a recent needs assessment by the Putnam County Community Foundation. Through hands-on training and collaboration with local experts, students contribute to harm reduction efforts that extend beyond campus into the broader community.
The week builds toward its centerpiece: race days held on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Cyclists compete in timed trials, street sprints and ultimately criterium races: a fast-paced, mass-start competition on a half-mile course through campus streets. Spectators line the route for the alumni race starting at 11 a.m., followed by the women’s race at 1 p.m. and the men’s race at 2:30 p.m., raising an electric hubbub of cheers and school spirit.
Little 5 is deeply rooted in philanthropy. Every rider fundraises for United Way of Central Indiana, supporting efforts to combat poverty and assist families in crisis. Over the past three years, the DePauw Little 5 campaign has raised more than $66,000, with students aiming to contribute an additional $20,000 this year.
For many, Little 5 marks a defining moment in the academic year. It is a time when the campus comes together, balancing competition with collaboration and celebration with service. From its beginnings as a single charity race to its current role as a weeklong festival, Little 5 continues to embody the spirit of DePauw: a commitment to community, a passion for tradition and a celebration of shared experience.
Little 5 Week at a Glance
- Monday, April 13: Supermarket Sweep at Kroger supports the Putnam County Pantry Coalition through food and monetary donations.
- Tuesday, April 14: Tricycle races take place on East College Lawn.
- Thursday, April 16: Students partner with the Indiana Recovery Alliance to assemble naloxone kits.
- Wednesday, Friday and Saturday: Race days include time trials, street sprints and criterium races.
- Alumni race: 11 a.m.
- Women’s race: 1 p.m.
- Men’s race: 2:30 p.m.
- All week: Riders fundraise for United Way of Central Indiana.
