Monster Mash Fun Run

Today 6 SCUSA volunteers attended the Monster Mash Fun Run in Houston, TX.  There were three events: a kids run, a 5K, and a 10K run.  Even though we all had to get up at an 'ungodly' hour, the event was lots of fun and we got to see some great costumes!  

Picture: Rob, Lynne, Noelle, Keith, Malika, Mathias.

Our volunteers helped set up the drink station at the finish line as well as staffing the one mile drink station for the 5K and 10K races.  After the event, we went to IHOP and had brunch.  Pictures of some of the great costumes will be up soon on our website.  Thanks to the volunteers for their contributions!

The highlight of the day was the sumo wrestler (see picture) staffing the drink station with us. He kept us entertained by adapting popular R&B songs to our task, which was to call out 'Water' or 'Gatorade' to the runners.

The lowlight of the day was at the start of the 5K race when, after a moment of silence for those in uniform, we were subjected to a prayer.  We were very surprised when this happened but perhaps we shouldn't have been, because it is Texas after all!  I personally felt uncomfortable and excluded during the prayer and I thought that it was inappropriate because of the diverse crowd.  Some of the other volunteers seemed to feel uncomfortable as well.  I think I will write a letter to the organizers of the race to let them know how their prayer made me feel - not on behalf of the SECULAR Center, because that is not really part of our mission, but just as an individual.

Thanks again to all the great volunteers and we hope to see you at future events!

Noelle