Monica Figueroa | Contributing Writer

Running a 5K isn’t something most think of signing up for. Running a mile is a daunting task in itself, but running 3.1 miles is upping the ante, and it’s perhaps even more daunting when the recent tragedy at the Boston Marathon is taken into consideration. But despite the shock of this tragedy, Americans took to resiliency and unity by participating in races across the country, moving forward in support of the Boston bombing victims.

One of the races, which kept Boston in mind, took place in our state of Iowa this past weekend, with over 2,000 people showing up to light the night in downtown Des Moines. This was the city’s first ever Glow Run 5K, which began at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 20, with the start and finish at the Science Center of Iowa. The night was lit by a successful turnout of a crowd of thousands glowing in fluorescent colors and glow sticks with runners and walkers of all ages and abilities illuminating the city streets.

The name of the race, The Glow Run, is self-explanatory, but the experience is truly one-of-a-kind. It’s almost indescribable how much glowing fun the 3.1 miles really can be. As a first-time participant myself this year and avid 5K runner, I must say, it sure was fun!

If it were up to me, I’d rename it to “The Fun Glow Run.” The people were truly the ones who made it such an amazing experience. Among the 2,000 were babies in strollers, parents in costumes, and grandparents of all ages united by an astonishing number of colorful tutus and other creatively humorous glowing costumes. The race was not timed, but awards were given to each in the following categories: Glow Man, Glow Girl, Dance Champion (Man), Dance Champion (Girl), Glow Worm Dance Champions (Team).

Aside from that, all runners and walkers received a glow in the dark finisher’s medal, a Glow Run t-shirt, glow items and an invite to the post-race after party with a DJ that kept the energy going.

Throughout the run, support for the Boston Marathon victims was also shown by those running who wore blue ribbons in remembrance.

From the midst of tragedy, much triumph arose with unity and energy of thousands coming together for some running and fun memories to be made.

Photos courtesy of Monica Figueroa