Winter can be a gloomy time, even for those who are head over heels in love with their significant others. Throw in Valentine’s Day, arguably the most hated holiday by singles across the nation, and mid-February can feel downright icy with frustration.
Planet Adventure, an organization out of Fishers, Ind., that hosts a variety of road races, is determined to make Feb. 8, the Saturday before Valentine’s Day, a day all Hoosiers can enjoy, whether they are single, coupled or in between. The Run 4 Love 5K is scheduled to kick off at 9 a.m., starting in Billericay Park, 12690 Promise Road in Fishers. This 5K event, in its first year, is designed to get locals active despite the cold weather.
“We’re just trying to get people out and help meet their New Year’s resolutions,” said Sherri Miller of Planet Adventure.
And, you never know — participants could also meet the love of their life. When participants register online at Run4Love5K.com, they select a specific category in which they fall. The list includes the following categories:
16 and Under:
- Puppy Love (I’m Dating, Watch Out)
- Too Young to Care (Male)
- Too Young to Care (Female)
17 and Over:
- Love ‘em or Leave ’em (… It’s Complicated)
- Hands Off! (I’m With Him/Her)
- Single and Looking (Male)
- Single and Looking (Female)
But according to Miller, this event isn’t totally about meeting potential romantic partners or celebrating your significant other. Every participant should feel sweet on something — a cupcake, that is! GiGi’s Cupcakes has generously agreed to donate treats for the event. At the 1.5 mile marker, runners can stop for a water break and enjoy a mini cupcake. But the real award comes when runners cross the finish line. Not only will they earn a medal, but they will also receive a famous large and gourmet cupcake from GiGi’s.
“We wanted to correlate the sweetness of love with the sweetness of having something sweet to eat,” Miller said.
If a cupcake isn’t enough to convince you to participate, here’s something else to feel good about: The Run 4 Love 5K shares part of its proceeds with the Hamilton County Humane Society. Donations will go toward food and blankets for the animals, Miller said.
Those who are interested can register at Run4Love5k.com. You don’t have to “love” running to participate in this event. Walkers are also welcome.
The cost of registration for adults varies between $40 and $45 and between $35 and $40 for youths, with the price increasing as the event gets closer. Registration is open online until Feb. 6. GiGi’s Cupcakes
will be hosting a “pack and pickup” on Friday, Feb. 7, where runners can come and pick up their numbers. People can register at this event or on the day of the race, too, from 7:45 to 8:45 a.m.
This event is not just for singles. Couples and families are encouraged to run together. Before the race kicks off, participants will have the opportunity to write a heart-shaped note to a loved one, or to a stranger who catches his or her eye. The notes will be displayed on a “wall of love” at the finish line.
One thing is for sure: Love will be in the air in Fishers on Feb. 8. That love, though, just might be for cupcakes.
