Glow Run 5K festivities to help Downtown Rescue Mission

MADISON – Runners, walkers – even dancers – are welcome to join in the festivities for the Glow Run 5K, Downtown Rescue Mission’s major fundraiser.

The annual event at Cummings Research Park on Aug. 14 will run from 6 to 10 p.m.

“Grab your glow sticks and get ready for Downtown Rescue Mission’s biggest and brightest fundraiser for homeless in our community,” Marsha Seymour said. Seymour is the mission’s Director of Corporate Engagement.

Race fee is $30 for runners who are 16 years old or older. Runners from 7 to 15 years old will pay $20. Six-year-olds and younger participate for free. “All proceeds go to support the men, women and children at the Downtown Rescue Mission,” Seymour said.

Men and women in each age category will receive awards for best times overall.

“We don’t care if you run, walk, skip or dance through our neon and starlit course. This race will be timed and certified with an awards ceremony after. Come early and stay late for all sorts of family fun,” Seymour said.

“Each year, Downtown Rescue Mission offers a ‘Couch-to-5K’ training program to our residents and their goal race is the Glow Run 5K,” Seymour said. “This group has been working to increase their endurance each week and is looking forward to this event. We’re so proud of their progress.”

LED-Orange Productions will handle 3D projection mapping, lasers, lights and a deejay, along with music and light stands along the route. “We’ll have photo opportunities galore, including Sigh Photo Booth and professional photographers,” Seymour said.

The attractions will include custom art, Doctor Osborn’s Balloons of Doom, face painting and chalk art. Food trucks from Chick-fil-A, Beast Mode, Hippea Camper, Delicious, What’s Popp’N, Chillz on Wheelz, and Ice Works Shaved Ice will sell their treats.

“We’ll have points along the race route for you to cheer on your family and friends,” Seymour said. Anyone can attend just for the party to enjoy the DJ, light show, food trucks and other activities.

All paid runners will get a drawstring goody bag with fun items from sponsors. Runners who register before July 1 will receive a 50/50 cotton-polyester blend race T-shirt. To buy additional shirts while supplies last, visit drmglowrun.org.

Runners can skip the line on race day and pick up their packets on Aug. 12 at Fleet Feet or on Aug. 13 at Downtown Rescue Mission during lunch time when pizza will be served.

Drivers must be parked before 7 p.m. because roads will close for the race. The multi-level parking deck at ADTRAN will be open.

“This is a large annual event, and it takes a lot of people to make it happen. If you would like to volunteer, email corey@downtownrescuemission.org,” Seymour said.

For information about race route, packet pickup and more details, visit drmglowrun.org/runner/#faq.

Corporate sponsorships are available. For more information, call 256-713-4343 or 828-200-0968, email marsha.seymour@downtownrescuemission.org or visit drmglowrun.org.