Some 244 costumed runners and walkers gathered last fall at the Lehigh Valley Parkway, Allentown, to participate in the Art Dart 5K.

The event gave students, parents, friends, faculty and staff the opportunity to parade their creativity as they vied for best individual costume, best group costumes and best running times.

“I wanted to create a fundraiser for the school that involved physical fitness and demonstrated the assortment of creative energy that we see every day at the Arts Academy Charter Middle School,” said Nick Woodward, AACMS’ physical education teacher. “I figured what better way to lure fellow artists, runners, walkers and costume enthusiasts, than a costume run/walk?”

Age group runners with the best times include:

·9-14 age group: Mickey Rimbey and Ryan Dauter; Jordan Blouse and Jordyn Dauter;

·15-20 age group: David Goundie and Ryan Dougherty; Paige Nicholas and Elaine Huang;

·21-30 age group: Ryan Smale and Pat Sweeney; Rachel Ashton and Bethan Detwiler;

·31-40 age group: Derek Wallen and Ray Sullivan; Heidi Downey and Catherine Zauacki;

·41-50 age group: Erik Dauter and Mark Kinsey; Jackie Kardow and Nicole Meyer; and

·51-60 age group: John Kelley and Greg Muhr; Lori Sustak and Gail Tranbaugh.

Costumed runner winners include:

Best group costumes: Consuelo Ramos Deyesso, Mark Deyesso, Xiomara Alfinex and Consuelo Ramos;

Best male costume: Mike Detweiler; and

Best female costume: Sydney Meyer.

This colorful event is one of the only 5k runs that tests the endurance of both the costumed characters’ stamina as well as the costumes.

Spooky level sponsors included Danabella Foods, Emmaus Run Inn and Grand Jete.

Frightful level sponsors included Aardvark Sports Show and VILLA.

Shocking level sponsors included the Banana Factory Arts Center, DeSales University Performing Arts, Elias Market, Now & Then Books, G.S. Oswald Jewelers and the Steel Ice Center.

The Arts Academy Charter Middle School, East Emmaus Ave., Allentown, is in its fifth year of academic excellence.

It is a tuition-free, arts-enriched public middle school serving students from more than 20 school districts in grades five through eight.

AACMS offers an arts integrated approach to learning, with opportunities to explore dance, visual arts, theater, figure skating, vocal or instrumental music.

The school’s rigorous academics and arts are taught by certified teachers, distinguished teaching artists and professional experts.

For more information about the school, visit arts-cs.org.