WASHINGTON, D.C. – Super heroes, masked crusaders and cosplay enthusiasts run in to save the day, so to speak.
More than 3,000 runners dressed in Halloween costumes lined up around Robert F. Kennedy stadium in Washington, D.C. for the Insane Inflatable 5K, Oct. 31, 2015.
Several “waves” were scheduled at time-slotted intervals, allowing runners to complete the obstacles at their own pace with family and friends.
“It’s something fun to do with your friends,” said Thomas. “There’s a lot of people here, but I like that it’s in waves so it’s not overly crowded.”
The 5K event was a non-timed run with no ranked winners and allowed participants to purchase an all-access pass to get into a wave with friends even if the wave was sold out.
“We work totally different shifts, so it’s whenever we can. We tell each other about a lot of different runs. Over 13 years, I’ve known her,” said Heather Thomas, 5K participant.
“I like to do fun 5Ks. Obstacle courses, mud runs or anything that encourages team work,” said Reina Reyes, Thomas’ friend. “She [Thomas] was dressed as Wonder Woman and I was Super Woman.”
Participants ran through the 11 obstacles, filled with slides, bouncing balls, tangled mazes, ladders and inflatable mattresses.
“I liked it. I’ll do it again next year,” Thomas added.
Local charity groups volunteer at the events to receive donations raised from proceeds. In between top hit songs playing over the public announcement system on Halloween, United Help Ukraine members briefly stated their non-profit cause to help those in the front lines protecting Ukraine from the Russian invasion and their devotion to assist families of fallen heroes, and those who had to leave their homes.
Next year, the Insane Inflatable 5K will hosts events in more than 115 cities, to include about 40 new locations. Also to be expected in the 2016 tour will be the addition of six new obstacles named: Crash Course, Slingshot, Waverunner, the Mad House, the Humps and Mattress Run.