"Office" themed 5K draws over 1,500 participants, benefits nonprofit

SCRANTON — An “Office”-themed 5K held Saturday drew over 1,500 participants as a shout-out to a show that ended over a decade ago.

Valley In Motion, a nonprofit community improvement organization, first sponsored the event in 2022 as a reference to the classic TV show “The Office,” which aired from March 2005 through May 2013.

The race, which also included a 1-mile walk, spoofed the “Michael Scott’s Dunder Mifflin Scranton Meredith Palmer Memorial Celebrity Rabies Awareness Pro-Am Fun Run Race For The Cure” featured in an episode of the popular NBC sitcom set in Scranton at the fictional Dunder Mifflin Paper Co.

David Bosley of Scranton, board president of Valley In Motion, turned heads as Meredith Palmer in a slinky dress that included pixilated areas covering private parts. The outfit was inspired by an episode in which Meredith showed up for casual Friday in the “barely there” outfit.

Bosley said he was humbled by the turnout for the event, which grew from about 300 participants in 2022, its inaugural year, to over 1,500 as of early Saturday.

“And people are still registering,” he said, just 30 minutes before the race.

VIM board member Ken Okrepkie said participants came from all over the country and the world, including Australia, Ireland and Germany.

As an event organizer shouted countries and states from the stage, audience members cheered for their home towns and nations.

Graham Mahon traveled from Dublin, Ireland, to participate in the race.

He attended with his friend David Meyers of Iowa, who heard about the race on Facebook.

Both flew into the area on Friday and stayed at the Radisson at Lackawanna Station Hotel in Scranton.

“It’s our first time in Scranton and it’s just what we expected,” Mahon said. “We’re really big fans of ‘The Office.’ ”

Neither was worried about making good time or running fast.

“Today’s about surviving,” said Mahon.

Superfans Rick and Colleen Jester drove up from Virginia for the event, which they attended with their teenage sons.

Colleen Jester was impressed by the number of people participating and those lining the street to support them.

She pointed out that, although the last episode of the show aired more than 10 years ago, it continues to draw young fans because of reruns and streaming content.

The family visited the “Office Experience in Washington, D.C.” last year.

“We’re all big fans of the show,” she said.

Robert Kretschmer and Nicholas Sears, juniors at the University of Scranton, came out to run in ties and dress shirts.

Sears heard about the race from other students and thought it would be a fun way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

Those who donned character costumes for the event had a chance to take photos, which would be later posted to social media.

Although Michael Scott seemed to be a favorite, with many donning his signature purple headwear, many also dressed as Dwight, Jim and Pam and included props from the series.

Matt Pelucacci, who finished the 5K at just over 22 minutes, was glad the rain held off.

Pelucacci said in addition to a fun event, the weather was perfect for runners.

“It wasn’t too hot or too cold,” he said. “It was pretty awesome.”

Following the race and awards ceremony, additional celebrations were held at Backyard Ale House and Cooper’s.