Run Scared 5k
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The Run Scared 5k
by Judy Fisher
with photos by Bruce Fisher
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October 31 – Seward Park
The Silver Striders let their spirits run wild at the 13th annual Run Scared 5K at Seward Park, held, fittingly, on Halloween! This is one of the most inclusive races in the area, thanks to Race Director Ilana Balint, founder of Run For Good Racing Company. She made this race appealing to many. The event offered a 5K, 10K, 2-mile walk/run, kids’ 1/4 mile run (free) and virtual race.
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Costumed tykes brought smiles to many. Families were part of the enjoyment. My daughter, Heidi, and granddaughter, Samantha, participated, to my delight!

Pirates abounded, that being the theme this year. Canines (dogs, not fangs) were provided the opportunity to model their Halloween best. Little goblins were offered a Treasure Hunt with prizes and a kids’ tent with games and activities. And of course, CANDY!
The weather was glorious! Participants enjoyed a cool, sunny autumn race. The course was paved and ran along Lake Washington with Mt. Rainier in the distance. The route was flat, except for two uphills in the inner loop. The course was not USATF certified, but the Race Director assured me it was “wheel measured.” Volunteer cheerleaders encouraged all those on the course.
Creativity knew no bounds! Silver Strider Mary Duncan dressed as Bloody Mary, complete with miniature liquor bottles, celery, asparagus, and of course, a gashed forehead (yes, her name really is Mary!). Another was the (Grim) Sweeper, with a ghoulish face and enrobed in black, whose job it was to follow the last runner (stay ahead of this guy!).
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The Run Scared 5K was the 5th race of 7 in the Tortoise and Hare Handicap Series. Of the 337 who finished the 5K, 87 were Silver Striders. The first male Silver Strider was Ufuk Ince at 23:01 and the first female was Leslie Silver at 24:27.
Awards of orange camp mugs and plaques were given to the top finishers in male, female and non-binary categories. Pumpkins were awarded to overall winners. A photo booth with pirate props was available for free download photos and a live DJ added to the festive atmosphere. The post-race party offered a candy corn tasting bar and vendors proffered many treats, including bagels, cookies, crackers, food bars, and bottled water. And, of course, more CANDY!
The Run Scared benefited The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, a charitable organization whose purpose is to fight blood diseases, including Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma.
King County COVID Safety measures were taken as proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test had to be shown at Packet Pickup. Masks were worn by many (though many were of the spooky variety).
Thank you, Ilana, and all the volunteers, donors, vendors and participants for making this a safe, festive celebration of fun, family and Halloween fantasies, all for a worthwhile cause. We hope to see this holiday race continue for many more years!
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Jerry’s notes: This was a good turnout of Tortoise and Hare Series players. I really hated to miss the post race get together at the Blue Water Bistro. It’s my favorite restaurant.
The race course featured a big hill resulting in some widely scattered handicapped results. See handicapped results at the end of this article
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xxxxxxx Results in photos by Bruce Fisher
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xxxxxxxxxxxxxxPost-race brunch at Bluwater Bistro table 1 (Steve Husko photo)
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxPost-race brunch at the Bluwater Bistro table 2 (Steve Husko photo)
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