Cougar Literacy Run

Cougar Literacy Run

Sat May 2, 2026

Manassas Park, VA 20111 US

You're invited to be a part of the biggest community event in Manassas Park! The Cougar Literacy Run is a community 5k and kids' fun run (for Manassas Park students) to promote literacy and wellness for our students. The day of the event includes family friendly activities and a Community Expo. Prior to race day, students at our PreK-5 buildings take part in a reading challenge. Once achieved, students receive a free t-shirt and bookmark. Proceeds from the event go to purchasing print and digital resources and experiences to enhance literacy and integrate mathematics, science, and social studies learning at our K-5 campuses. Can't make it in person? That's okay! We are still offering a virtual 5k option!

This is a rain or shine event. In the event of rain, all registration, sales, and activities will be moved indoors at Cougar Elementary School. There is still day of registration for the 5k from 7:15am-7:45am.

Schedule of Events

• Packet Pick-up and Registration: 7:15 am -7:45 am
• 5k start: 7:59 am
• Awards: 9:15 am
• Kids' Color Run Registration: 9:15 am - 9:55 am
• MPHS Band: 9:45 am
• Kids’ Color Run: 9:59 am
• Not Kiddin' Puppets: 10:30 am
• Silent Auction Baskets End: 11:00 am
• $1 Ticket Raffles End: 11:00 am
• Family Fun: 9:00 am - 11:30 am

Kids' Color Run

For CES and MPES students and families. On May 2nd, students will check in and receive a FREE t-shirt and bookmark for meeting their reading goal! There is no fee for this event! When students check in, parents and guardians will need to sign a waiver to give their child permission to participate. We recommend wearing old clothes if you choose to run through our color sections of the course.

START TIME: 9:59 am END TIME: 10:30 am

FAQs

• How long is a 5k? 3.1 miles
• Do I have to run the 5k? No! Participants can run, walk, or jog.
• What is the 5k course look like? The 5k course takes you through Manassas Park neighborhoods. It includes some minor hills and downhills.