Our favorite and cherished cartoon characters keep us young at heart and bring back delightful childhood memories. Even the most dedicated runners enjoy the frivolity and silliness surrounding cartoon novelty runs. Many of these events are held over a weekend filled with exciting activities and visits by favorite characters. Special races and events are planned for children, making these marathons a true family vacation.
Singapore Cartoon Novelty Races in 2015
Tom and Jerry Fun Run
Date and Location: 23 August, 2015 at Singapore Flyer, Singapore
Cartoon Theme: As children, many of us were entertained by the antics of Tom Cat and Jerry Mouse, known as Tom and Jerry. Tom, a short-haired grey cat was constantly tormented by Jerry, a small brown mouse. Jerry employed antics to cause trouble between Tom and Spike, an intellectually challenged bulldog. In order to maintain a sense of order in the home, Mammy Two Shoes, the housemaid would periodically punish Tom by whacking him with a broom.
Highlights of Race: The event begins at The Singapore Flyer adjacent to Liang Court Shopping Centre in the heart of the city. The route takes runners through the central area of Singapore, close to the Promenade. The Tom and Jerry fun run includes a choice of races, either 5k or 10k. Tom will be running through the course, trying frantically to escape trouble caused by Jerry. Be sure to behave, or Mammy Two Shoes may whack you with one of her brooms.
Justice League Run
Date and Location: 30 August, 2015 in Sentosa, Singapore
Cartoon Theme: Join your favorite DC Justice League heroes as they fight for equality and justice around the world. Super heroes including Batman, Superman, Green Lantern, Flash and Wonder Woman will be on hand throughout the event to cheer on team participants.
Highlights of Race: The DC Justice League Run is a 5k timed fun run around Singapore’s spectacular Sentosa Island. Race participants are encouraged to dress in a manner in which to represent their favorite Super Hero. Runners wearing authentic costumes receive special recognition from Super Heroes along the race course. Winning teams will be designated as the “Fastest Hero of the Year.” This may be your only opportunity to mingle with actual Super Heroes.
Garfield Run Beach Edition
Date and Location: 19 September, 2015 in Sentosa, Singapore
Cartoon Theme: Runners will join fat and lazy Garfield the cat at the beach, where he will undoubtedly be relaxing with his favorite treats. Garfield’s obsessive eating habits may encourage runners to stay in shape and avoid junk food. Since the race is held on a Sunday, Garfield, who is known for his strong dislike of Mondays, will be relaxing with runners on the beach the day after the event.
Highlights of Race: The Garfield Fun Run begins at Sentosa near Beach Station. There are several race categories including a competitive fun runs for children. Children are allowed to run with either one or two adults. A 4k run is available to adolescents and adults 13 years of age and older, as well as children between the ages of three and 12 years. A family run is available for two adults with one child or two adults with three or four children. Garfield, Odie and friends will be seen along the course offering encouragement to race participants.
International Cartoon Novelty Races in 2015
Snoopy Run
Date and location: 20 September, 2015 at Triple District happiness Aqua Park in Taiwan
Cartoon Theme: Snoopy is Charlie Brown’s pet dog in the comic strip Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz.
Highlights of Race: The first ever Snoopy road race event will be held to commemorate the 65th birthday of the Peanuts cartoon. All your favourite characters such as Snoopy, Charlie Brown and Lucy will participate in the 5k event. Runners will receive a limited edition Snoopy merchandise item.
Monster Dash
Date and Location: 31 October, 2015 in St. Paul, Minnesota
Cartoon Theme: Monster Dash is based on a popular video game featuring a range of heroes chasing and destroying monsters and zombies. Characters use weapons including Pacifier, Rocket Launcher and Mr. Zippy. Interesting vehicles are also used to search for monsters including HOG and Machine Gun Jetpack. There are several levels to the game, each increasing in difficulty.
Highlights of Race: Runners will “Do the Monster Dash” during the half marathon or 5 k race. The race begins adjacent to the historic Cathedral of St. Paul in the center of the city. The downhill course includes 121.92 meters of descent from start to finish. The rugged and tree-lined route winds along Summit Avenue and concludes at the Mississippi River in downtown St. Paul. Heroes will be seen chasing monsters throughout the course. Don’t be surprised if Mr. Zippy and Pacifier greet you at the finish line.
Avengers Super Heroes Half Marathon
Date and Location: 12 through 15 November, 2015 at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California
Cartoon Theme: The Avengers have embarked on a mission to save the earth from evil, unforeseen forces and destruction. Often using violent tactics and unusual weapons, they fight to protect the planet. The most popular Avengers include Iron Man, Captain America, Demolition Man and Captain Marvel. With these powerful and relentless heroes protecting us, we should all feel safe, especially when running marathons.
Highlights of Race: There are several choices of races over the course of the weekend including the Avengers Super Heroes Half Marathon, Infinity Gauntlet Challenge, Captain America 10 k and Avengers Super Heroes 5 k. All races begin and end in the magical Disneyland Resort. The Half Marathon includes a 21.084 k course winding through Disneyland and surrounding areas. The Gauntlet Challenge spans a distance of 31.0603 k over the course of two days. This is a combination of the Avengers Half Marathon and the Captain America 10 k.
Beat the Blerch Marathon
Date and Location: 14 November, 2015 in Sacramento, California
Cartoon Theme: This event is based on The Wizard of Oz. Dorothy and her loyal dog Toto embark on a magical journey from Kansas after their home was destroyed by a cyclone. The only way to return home is to follow the yellow brick road to the Emerald City of Oz to seek advice from the powerful and wise Wizard. Along the way, they encounter several interesting characters including the Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion and Tin Man. Dorothy and Toto eventually find the Wizard, who guides them home.
Highlights of Race: Runners may choose to participate in several events including a marathon, half marathon, 5 k and 10 k runs. The course begins at Raley Field, then crosses the spectacular Tower Bridge, providing a view of the Sacramento River. The course descends to Capital Mall Boulevard, ending with a loop back to Raley Field. Finishers may meet the Wizard at the conclusion of the race.
Walt Disney World Marathon
Date and Location: 6 through 10 January, 2016 at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida
Cartoon Theme: Disney World is home to Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy and many of their friends. Runners and their children will delight in visits to the magical theme parks, where favorite Disney characters will be on hand to greet them.
Highlights of Race: The course takes runners through four Disney theme parks spanning a distance of 42.1648 km. The course begins at Epcot and continues through Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. The marathon ends with a loop returning to Epcot. Several events are planned for the race weekend including a half marathon, Goofy’s Race, Walt Disney World 10 k, a 5 k Family Fun Run, Dopey Challenge, Disney Castaway Challenge and an assortment of family-oriented fun runs. The marathon is scheduled at the conclusion of the weekend on January 10.
There are several marathons and events scheduled for early 2016 including the Star Wars Half Marathon during the weekend of January 14 through 17, 2016. This race will be held at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. The Disney Princess Half Marathon, designed for women of all ages is scheduled for the weekend of February 14 through 17, 2016, to be held at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.
Relive Your Childhood!
Although challenging and competitive, cartoon novelty races are fun for runners and entire families. Many are held over the course of a weekend, filled with adventure, excitement and celebrations. All races will be visited by favorite characters, many of which you will be able to meet in person. Finishers are awarded unique and collectible medals. Participants receive promotional items including t-shirts, gift bags and keepsakes to memorialize participation in these fun-filled running events.
