About a dozen University Heights Neighborhood Association members gathered at an uncharacteristically early hour on Nov. 3, 2019 to cheer on runners as part of the Bass Pro Marathon Neighborhood Challenge.
With a theme of Museum Mayhem, in celebration of the neighboring Springfield Art Museum, the group took part in the challenge for the first time.
Costumes included Frida Kahlo, Bob Ross, a paint-splattered artist and works by artists Piet Mondrian and Edvard Munch.
Runners were invited to leave their mark on a 9-foot canvas the team erected. Some of the runners took a moment to splatter acrylic paint across the canvas, helping to create a lasting memento of UHNA’s participation. Members and their kids also contributed to the merry mayhem that resulted on the canvas.
There were numb toes, lots of coffee and doughnuts and occasional trips to a nearby warming station (a nearby SUV), but the UHNA crew really got into the event and already is enthusiastically making plans for next year — and to increase the doughnut and coffee supply dramatically.
Other winter activities for the association included a holiday potluck celebration at a member’s home and setting the course for 2020. It’s certain to be a busy new year.