Glo in the ’Mo Returns to Kokomo

Photo | Unsplash

LIGHT IT UP: Participants in this year’s Glo in the ’Mo race will be coated in UV-reactive powder at the start/finish line, similar to this photo.

By HEIDI PRUITT
The Kokomo Post Staff

On Oct. 7, the celebration won’t wait for the finish line.

Glo in the ’Mo, Kokomo’s iconic glow-in-the-dark 5K, returns to downtown Kokomo after a five-year hiatus during October’s First Friday event — and organizers say this year it will be bigger and better than ever before. Among the additions this year will be a giant foam party at the finish line, as well as the addition of color powder rather than the UV paint previously used for the race.

We are extremely excited to be bringing this color run back,” said Tony Budenz, marketing and communication director of the Kokomo Family YMCA. “The Glo in the ’Mo has always been one of our most popular events not only the with the public, but with our Y team as well. We’ve waited five long years, and to tie a neon night run in with First Friday downtown just feels like a big party is about to happen - and it is!”

This race is set to take place along a 3.1-mile route throughout downtown Kokomo on a scenic path through Foster Park, along the Walk of Excellence and around Kokomo Beach. Glow-in-the-dark powder will be distributed at the start/finish line and in various locations along the course, so when runners and walkers hit the UV lights at the finish, they will be glowing from head to toe.

Photo | Erin Larison

GLOWING: In this 2014 photo, Erin and Drew Larison stand at the finish line of the very first Glo in the ’Mo race. That race used paint, while this race uses powder.

Runners and walkers of all abilities and ages are invited to join the party atmosphere at this untimed race, which provides the YMCA of Kokomo with scholarship funds to provide assistance to youth, adults and families in the community.

“Everybody deserves the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. That's what we love about these events because you’re helping that cause while you’re having fun,” said Budenz.

With the help of local sponsors including NIPSCO, Borg Warner, First Farmers Bank & Trust, Coca-Cola of Kokomo, and Expressions Design Co., he said, the Y is able to give back to the community while providing a family-fun activity during downtown’s First Friday event.

“If you are helping people even individually, then you’re helping your community,” said Budenz.

Matt Sandoe, membership & community engagement director, spoke of the benefit of the first-time partnership between First Friday and the race.

“It gives people something to do on a Friday night in October, but most importantly it gets people out and engaged,” said Sandoe.

Hippy Owl Tie Dye will be set up with glow-in-the-dark shirts for sale and The Middle of Nowhere food truck with their famous Chicago-style cuisine.

For more information or to sign up, visit https://yknowyournumbers.com/glo-in-the-mo/.