At Great America’s first annual Super Hero 5K Glow Run on April 28, participants will get a super hero cape and a packet of colored powder.
“Then they’ll be off to throw the powder at their friends, stopping at different stations until everybody gets absolutely covered in UV glow powder. By the time they finish the race they will be glowing in the dark and looking spectacular, said John Krajnak, director of marketing.
After that, they can have their pictures taken with Wonder Woman, Batman and Superman, plus hop on some of the theme park’s rides including Raging Bull and Justice League: Battle for Metropolis that will be open just for them that evening.
“The Super Hero Glow Run is a great opportunity to kick off the summer,” Krajnak said.
The idea came from a Devil Dash that benefited Warren Township High School a few years ago. It was held at Great America in spring and was open to high school students and family. Last year, the theme park hosted the Blacklight Run.
“We wanted to really step it up and create a brand new event with a lot of new elements to it that are pretty exciting,” Krajnak said.
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“The glow runs have been very popular across the country. This one will include access to theme park rides, which is different.”
In addition, $1 per ticket will go to the Rotary Club of Gurnee, he said.
Each participant will receive a white Super Hero cape with one of four logos – Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman and the Joker. The capes will get doused with colored glow-in-the dark powder, and participants can take them home as souvenirs, either leaving the colors on or washing them.
“Some of these events happen closer to the city. This is a good opportunity for teens and families in the suburbs,” Krajnak said.
“It’s a family-friendly event,” he said. People can walk, push strollers with toddlers or run, whatever they choose, he said. Start times will be staggered, and it will likely take 20 to 45 minutes to finish depending on whether you walk or run.
Registration and check in are at 5 p.m., followed be a pre-party at 5:30 p.m. The run begins at 7:30 p.m. The post-party will kick off at 8:30 p.m., when participants can enjoy rides and family entertainment.
“I love this as a little extra energy before the park opens,” Krajnak said. “This is right on the eve of our official park opening on April 29.”
Sheryl DeVore is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.
Super Hero 5K Glow Run
When: 5-11 p.m. April 28
Where: Six Flags Great America, 1 Great America Parkway, Gurnee
Tickets: $35 pre-registration; $50 at door; $10 for parking
Information: 847-249-1776; www.sixflags.com