Events
Description
You're invited to be a part of the biggest community event in Manassas Park!
The Cougar Literacy Run is a community 5k and kids' fun run (for Manassas Park students) to promote literacy and wellness for our students. The day of the event includes family friendly activities and a Community Expo. Prior to race day, students at our PreK-5 buildings take part in a reading challenge. Once achieved, students receive a free t-shirt and bookmark. Proceeds from the event go to purchasing print and digital resources and experiences to enhance literacy and integrate mathematics, science, and social studies learning at our K-5 campuses.
Can't make it in person? That's okay! We are still offering a virtual 5k option!
**This is a rain or shine event. In the event of rain, all registration, sales, and activities will be moved indoors at Cougar Elementary School. There is still day of registration for the 5k from 7:15am-7:45am.
Schedule of Events
Packet Pick-up and Registration: 7:15 am -7:45 am *Parking is only accessible on Cougar Court, NOT on Brandon Street.
5k start: 7:59 am
Awards: 9:15 am
Kids' Color Run Registration: 9:15 am - 9:55 am
MPHS Band: 9:45 am
Kids’ Color Run: 9:59 am
Not Kiddin' Puppets: 10:45 am
Silent Auction Baskets End: 11:00 am
$1 Ticket Raffles End: 11:30 am
Family Fun: 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Kids' Color Run
For CES and MPES students and families. On May 3rd, students will check in and receive a FREE t-shirt and bookmark for meeting their reading goal! There is no fee for this event! When students check in, parents and guardians will need to sign a waiver to give their child permission to participate. We recommend wearing old clothes if you choose to run through our color sections of the course.
START TIME: 9:59 am
END TIME: 10:30 am
FAQs
How long is a 5k?
3.1 miles
Do I have to run the 5k?
No! Participants can run, walk, or jog.
What is the 5k course look like?
The 5k course takes you through Manassas Park neighborhoods. It includes some minor hills and downhills.
Will there be items for purchase on race day and how can I pay?
T-shirts, t-shirt magnets, and bookmarks from 2025 and previous race years will be for sale. We accept cash or checks made out to Manassas Park Elementary.
How can I share photos from race day or of me completing virtually?
Any photos that you would like to be added to the race website and division page can be sent to literacyrun@mpark.net. You can also post your photos on social media and use the event hashtag - #MPCSrun.
I'm completing virtually, do I need to map out a 5k course or send in my time?
There is no need to map out a course. If you are walking at a comfortable pace, 1 mile would be about 20 minutes long, so a 5k, which is 3.1 miles, would then take you about 1 hour. We are not requiring or keeping tracking of times for virtual participants.
Where does the Kids' Fun Run take place?
Students will start and end the run at Cougar Elementary School. The course will take them around both MPE and CES.
Race Contact Info
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
Thank You to This Year's Sponsors!
Race Participant Survey
Please complete the following survey to help us better understand your race experience.
