The Most Musical 5K: Ten Years Running!
The Flutopia 5K
About
A tradition started in the summer of 2013, the Flutopia 5K is famous for starting the race with a rousing rendition of area flutists playing the “Flight of the Bumblebee” instead of using a starter gun, plus having professional musicians of every style imaginable playing along the course. Open to runners and walkers of all ages and experience levels, an added bonus was the Flutastic 50-Yard Dash held for kids 10 and under, set to a bugle call.
Originally hosted by State College PA's Tom Tudek Memorial Park, the Flutopia 5K has also been hosted at the Boalsburg Military Museum. As part of the 10th anniversary celebration in 2022, there were two Flutopia 5Ks: one in State College at Tudek Park and one in Chicago coinciding with the 50th National Flute Association convention at the Chicago Riverwalk.
Proceeds from the races have gone to Centre Volunteers in Medicine, Doctors Without Borders and www.ourresilience.org of Chicago
COVID-19
During the pandemic, the Flutopia 5K went virtual for 2020 and 2021 and expanded distances to include 1 mile and 10k options in addition to the usual 5K and 50-Yard Dash. Despite the global pandemic, we were pleased to offer our participants the opportunity to run, walk, or both for their own health, while supporting those in need.
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Each registrant was given an exclusive, recorded playlist of highlights from local professional musicians’ performances, including our signature rendition of The “Flight of the Bumblebee” to start the race.
