The annual late October Spooktacular 5K has become a thing, beloved by runners and walkers enjoying the cooler autumn temperatures and a wild array of fun costumes.
Saturday morning in downtown Huntsville, more than 860 runners, walkers, strollers and others had a great time. The speedy runners up front led the way past Big Spring Park and the Huntsville Museum of Art. The back half of the field included folks dressed as tacos, Waldo (a lot of ’em), Tiger King and Carole Baskin (excellent), Pokemon, a T-Rex, peas and carrot, Batman, Wonder Woman, Superman, fairies, Cinderella and Prince Charming (superb costumes!), the cast of Monsters Inc. including Mike and Sully, a hamburger, hotdog and fries, and many others.
By the time that costumed cast crossed the finish line, podium-nabbers Alana and Myles Scarano of Huntsville along with the other speedsters could enjoy the parade.
The Scaranos were strong competitors collegiately, he at the University of Alabama Huntsville and she with Wartburg College in Iowa and California Baptist. Both have won or placed well in local events, including her 2018 women’s Rocket City Marathon title and Running of the Bulls this summer.
Myles Scarano took overall Spooktacular honors Saturday, speeding to the win in 16:52 just ahead of Mark Porter. He finished in 17:04. Nipping at Porter’s heels was Jeremie Bokata, finishing third in 17:06.
Alana Scarano was within shouting distance of the top five, striding through the finish in 17:33 for the women’s title and sixth place. Malia Gill of Huntsville was second (32nd) in 21:20. Rachel Joffrion was third (36th) in 21:55.
It was the first time in more than three years the Scaranos had raced together in the same event.
Lisa Nyguen, age 7, won the Monster Mile in 29:21 in a photo finish with Zachary Kimiagarov, age 5. He crossed in 29:23. Alyssa Jones, 34, was third in 29:30.
The field had 861 official entries. The race was sponsored by Fleet Feet, Marco’s Pizza, Panera Bread, Mizuno, The Fresh Market and Focus Physiotherapy.
See all of the Spooktacular 5K results here and Monster Mile results here.
See all of the images from We Run Race Photos here for the start, on-course, finish and awards.
