Annual “Office” themed 5K event draws nearly 2,000, benefits nonprofit - Participants come from all over the country and Canada

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SCRANTON, Pa. (Scranton Times) By Geraldine Gibbons — Nahiyan Naser drove more than 150 miles Saturday to participate in Scranton’s annual “Office” themed 5K event, dressed as Kevin Malone and toting a massive pot of ‘chili,’ which he would ultimately drop to the ground for photos.

REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) Naser, of Union City, New Jersey, a diehard fan of the series, said it was well worth the trip, impressed with the costumes, color and excitement of the event, which looked back on the series which aired from March 2005 through May 2013.

“It was on my bucket list,” he said.

But if one guessed Naser’s favorite episode was “Casual Friday” during which Kevin dropped the chili, they would be wrong. Instead, his favorite is “Scott’s Tots” in which Michael Scott promised to pay college tuition for multiple students, but realizes that he doesn’t have the money to follow through.

In its fifth year, the event has become a tradition for both avid runners, casual walkers and “Office” fans.

Valley In Motion, a nonprofit community improvement organization, first sponsored the event in 2022 as a reference to the classic TV show “The Office,” with deep roots in Scranton.

The race, which also included a 1-mile walk, spoofs 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.

This year Bobby Ray Shafer Jr., who played Bob Vance, owner of Vance Refrigeration, kicked off the race and welcomed participants of the event’s costume contest.

As costume-clad participants made their way across the band shell, Shafer shook hands with each one, occasionally throwing up his hands to indicate a job especially well done.

David Bosley, board president of Valley In Motion, who emceed the costume contest said the competition included more participants than in previous years.

He also pointed out that beyond costumes, participants were attentive to the mannerisms and attitude of the characters they portrayed.

Halie Powers, came dressed as a shattered television, from the episode “Dinner Party” from the show’s fourth season. Powers costume included the Dundie award, which shattered the $200 plasma television during the episode.

Powers, who travelled two hours for the event, was planning to find something to eat and perhaps get some drinks at the conclusion of the event.

The event boasted nearly 2,000 participants, Valley in Motion Project Manager Alyssa Kelley said.

At registration Friday night, Kelley met participants from New York, New Jersey, North Caroline, Kentucky, California and even Canada, she said.

Kelley said the event had a “trickle down” effect for area’s economy because many attendees came for the weekend and visited local eateries and other businesses during their stay.

In addition to the “Office” vibe, the event also provided runners with a great 5K course through the city.

Dylan Stanhope, of Pittston, was hoping to beat his previous time of 23.11 in the 5K.

“I’m also an ‘Office’ fan,” he said.

Tiffany Callaio, of Exeter, was running the 5K for a second time Saturday.

Callaio has been trying to improve her times and also runs to get healthy and stay fit.

After some additional training this year, Callaio said she was ready to take on some hills included in the course.

“In addition to the race, it’s really a fun day,” she said.