Flutopia 5k to Return with New Location

After some uncertainty a year ago about whether it would continue, ‘the most musical 5k around,’ is returning in July at a new location to once again benefit Centre Volunteers in Medicine.

The seventh annual Flutopia 5k will be held at 8:30 a.m. on July 27 on the grounds of the Pennsylvania Military Museum in Boalsburg.

The Flutopia 5k previously was held in Tudek Park. But changes to Centre Region Parks and Recreation guidelines to meet park usage demand and safety needs — including reduced pavilion capacity and prohibiting races from starting after 8 a.m. — meant the park would no longer be feasible. The Flutopia Initiative was unsure if it would find another location as well-suited for its 5k, which features local musicians performing at sites along the route.

Flutopia founder and race director Cathy Herrera said in an email on Sunday that the Military Museum ‘has enthusiastically welcomed’ the 5k to its grounds this year.

Instead of a starter gun, the race begins with a rendition of ‘Flight of the Bumblebee.’ Along the course runners, joggers and walkers are serenaded by area musicians, including flutists, drummers, a jazz combo, string and woodwind players and more. 

Prizes are music-themed, and the day also includes a 50-yard dash for children 10 and under.

Registration is available online, by mailing in the form here or at 7:30 a.m. on the day of the race.

The Flutopia Initiative, founded by Herrera in 2012, is a charitable organization with the motto “flutists inspiring musicians to change the world, one concert at a time,” and which has hosted concerts as well as races to benefit CVIM and Doctors Without Borders