That’s a Wrap! Encore’s Costume Caper 5K A Success

Encore volunteers and staff members were thrilled to be joined by over 70 runners on Saturday, November 5th for Encore Stage & Studio’s first ever Costume Caper 5K and 1 mile kids’ run!

Participants and volunteers began to gather in Arlington’s Bluemont Park at around 7AM to begin set-up and registration. Runners were all very excited to receive these awesome and unique Encore t-shirts as part of their sign-up package.

While the morning air was a bit brisk as the sun rose, Encore Registrar and MTI director, Kelsey Meiklejohn, led our runners in some fun dancing warm-ups to get the blood flowing. (To check out our Broadway-themed 5K playlist, click here!)

As our clocks approached 8:30, Encore’s Executive Director, Sara Duke, took up the mic to act as MC for the festivities. The kids’ 1 mile fun run was up first, and the contestants were decked out in their costume and ready to go. Fellow runners acted their parts of enthusiastic spectators well as the group took off and again, as the pack returned across the finish line.

But the fun didn’t stop at the finish line! Younger racers also got to take advantage of the varied activities of the Kids’ Zone, ranging from face painting, lawn games, and even a bounce house! Such riches surely caused even the grown runners to be a bit green with envy.

Around 8:45, all of the Capers above age ten assembled to prepare for the 5K. A hilarious sequence of songs, including ABBA’s “Dancing Queen,” got the runners in the festive mood. Then finally…they were off! Spectators began to see finishers around the 23 minute mark, with the majority of participants completing the out-and-back course in 50 minutes or less.

A variety of prizes were awarded for both top finishers and for costumes. Costume categories included most frightening costume, most creative costume, sweetest costume, best couple’s costume, and more! Prizes were generously donated by local businesses.

We want to say a special thanks to all of our participants, volunteers, staff members, and sponsors for making this a fantastic first 5K experience. Overall, Encore raised a total of $750 through registrations and donations. This news, on top of the incredibly fun day we all had, has us jumping for joy! We can’t wait to put on another 5K event next year, and we look forward to seeing you at the starting line too!

Click here to view race results.

Check out even more photos from Encore’s Costume Caper 5K!

Photo credits: Aileen Pangan, Katie Boone

Blog contributor: Shannon McCarthy, 2016 Arts Apprentice