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From a pink unicorn and a running skeleton to serious competitors racing for the finish line, Farmers Branch' first Spooky Dash brought together runners of all ages Saturday, Oct. 10.
Approximately 490 people registered for the inaugural event, including about 350 for the timed 5K and 140 for the 1-mile fun run. The race began at Farmers Branch Historical Park, with the 5K course taking runners through Gussie Field Watterworth Park, Mustang Station and the Branch Crossing neighborhood.
The youngest participant was 5-year-old Fredi Gore, while 89-year-old James Thurston was the oldest, showing the range of ages participating in the city's newest community event.
Participants came from all around the Dallas-Fort Worth area, but at least four arrived from out of state.
Some participants dressed for Halloween, including a runner in a black-and-white prison uniform, a skeleton and an inflatable pink unicorn. Others came ready to compete, taking off shortly after sunrise.
Eighteen-year-old Maximus Garza of Carrollton was the overall 5K winner, while 16-year-old Lilian Pena, also of Carrollton, took the overall female title.
For Josie Avila, the city's community events manager, the turnout was encouraging.
"It's really good for our first year,” Avila said.
Maria Minter, deputy director of parks and recreation, also praised the event and the work that went into making it happen.
"It's been amazing. It took a lot of logistics support, but it's been amazing," Minter said. “For a first-year event, I don’t think this could have gone any better.”
Mayor Terry Lynne was among those celebrating the city's newest event.
"I think this has been an excellent event. Of course, the day is perfect, but just a great first event for the city," Lynne said.
He noted that the 1-mile fun run brought out families and participants in costumes, while the 5K attracted more competitive runners.
"The fun run was great with all the costumes, but we've seen some real runners. People are really running hard," Lynne said.
For Lucy and Matt Gore, the race was also an opportunity to spend time together, enjoy the community and introduce their three children to racing.
"I didn't know how they were going to do it, but I thought the route was perfect. Beautiful. Safe," Lucy Gore said.
Matt Gore agreed.
"I thought it was a great route. It went through a beautiful neighborhood. We got to see a lot of famiies and people of the city," he said.
The couple also had a personal connection to running. Matt said he and Lucy met through a running group in Dallas and that he proposed to her at a marathon.
The event also marked a milestone for another runner. Hans Meyer, who was preparing for the arrival of a daughter in February, completed his first 5K with encouragement from Emeralda Morales, who held a handmade sign telling him he was already a champion to their baby girl.
The Spooky Dash was part of Farmers Branch' new Fall Fest celebration, bringing together families, volunteers, sponsors and runners for a morning of exercise, costumes and community participation.
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