By Katie Mayock, Journalism Intern – Sports
On Sunday, October 20th, the Latino Community Center (LCC) held their first Marigold 5K Run to raise money for the center’s programs and initiatives and to honor the memories of lost loved ones. The race’s theme was Day of the Dead, a holiday that celebrates life, honors tradition, and remembers the loved ones that are no longer with us that made an impact on our lives. Before the race, runners were encouraged to run for their loved ones and use their memory as fuel to get them to the finish line.
The LCC chose to name the race the “Marigold 5K Run” because the marigold is known as the flower of the dead. Its strong scent and vibrant color are believed to guide departed souls to their place of rest. The flower has become a symbol of remembrance and celebration used to decorate streets, altars, and graves on the Day of the Dead.
Despite the early start and cold temperatures, 104 runners and walkers participated in the race along the shore of North Park Lake. Meanwhile, many more people gathered at the Boathouse to cheer on the runners at the finish line and to enjoy children’s activities, Latino music, snacks, and hot drinks.
Several local organizations provided activities to entertain children while their parents were running and for all to enjoy after the race. All of the activities represented the culture and heritage of Day of the Dead in some way. The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh provided orange tissue paper to make marigold flowers and papel picado. At Assemble’s table, children decorated their own sugar skull bookmarks. Alison Zapata, from Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, demonstrated how to paint tin hearts. Lastly, Aurora Rosenberger, owner of Face Painting con AMOR, painted faces in the Day of the Dead style.
Alongside the activity booths, the LCC put together a traditional altar, the Altar Marigold, with colorful skulls, papel picado, candles, food, and photos of famous Latinos, such as Frida Kahlo and Roberto Clemente. Additionally, under the banner “I am running in memory of…”, race participants could add the names of their own loved ones.
All proceeds–race fees and donations made during the event–went towards supporting the LCC’s programs and initiatives. The LCC empowers, advocates for, and celebrates Latinos in Allegheny County.
