Riding along the success of races like the nationwide Color Run, LivingSocial is dipping into the fitness world and hosting its first-ever glow-in-the-dark 5K race and dance party this November.
“The theme of the event is to light up the night in DC,” says Bram Levy, LivingSocial’s senior director of development. “Part of that will be by having our runners visually lighting up the night here.”
The second part, Levy adds, is to do good elsewhere. Currently, 2.6 billion worldwide don’t have electricity. Using a portion of the proceeds from the November 9 race, LivingSocial is partnering with Mercy Corps to send 1,000 solar laterns to a local community in Somalia.
Why solar lanterns? Currently, various communities in Somalia use hazardous kerosene lanterns for light, and they have unreliable access to electricity. LivingSocial and Mercy Corps will send safe, bright, durable, and renewable energy solar lanterns designed by d.light design. “We wanted to create the opportunity to light up their night, as well,” Levy says.
The 3.1-mile race begins at 8 PM at DC Armory and will loop around the RFK Stadium grounds, ending with a dance party at the Armory. But you don’t have to cross the finish line to get the party started. Speakers stationed throughout the course will blare music during the race, and runners will get glow-in-the-dark swag. Also a plus: It’s not about crossing the finish line first. Instead, prizes will go to the best dressed and best dancer, among other fun contests.
Registration for the race begins tomorrow through LivingSocial’s website. Tickets are $39 until October 5. Prices will increase to $45 and $50 leading up to the race date. (Note: The race is for runners 18 and up.)
With registration, you’ll get a T-Shirt, glow-in-the-dark apparel, access to the after-party, and one beer or soft drink.
For more information, visit the 5K Dance Party’s website. (The website will go live at 5 AM tomorrow.)
