“The Office 5K: Season Five” Returns to Scranton with Celebrity Guest

 

Non-profit Valley In Motion is excited to announce Season Five of The Office 5K, taking place Saturday, May 2 at 1:00 p.m. in downtown Scranton. Presented by national shoe company Kizik, the popular road race celebrates Scranton’s connection to NBC’s hit show The Office while bringing together fans, runners, and families from across the country. 

Starting beneath the iconic Electric City sign, runners and walkers will travel through Scranton landmarks featured in the series, including The Office mural, Penn Paper, Cooper’s Seafood House, the Dwight Schrute mural, and more. Participants are encouraged to dress as their favorite Office character for themed fun and prizes. 

This year’s event will feature a special appearance by Bobby Ray Shafer, Jr., known to fans as “Bob Vance, Vance Refrigeration.” The recurring character on The Office is married to Phyllis on the show and has become a fan favorite among the series’ devoted audience. 

Now in its fifth year, The Office 5K continues to gain national and international attention, with over 500 participants already pre-registered. Entry is just $30, and thanks to generous local and regional sponsors, the race offers numerous perks. All participants will receive a custom finisher medal, sponsored by Onvo, which operates travel plazas across Pennsylvania and New York. 

The event will also feature a one-mile loop for walkers, complete with Office-themed activities along the route. At Courthouse Square, where the race starts and finishes, families can enjoy kids’ games, food trucks, and spectator activities throughout the afternoon. 

Race proceeds support Valley In Motion, a local non-profit dedicated to strengthening community connections throughout the Lackawanna Valley. Donations collected during the event will help fund the construction of a new playground at Whittier Elementary School in South Scranton 

The fan-favorite costume contest returns with new categories this year, including: 

• Kelly’s Most Talked About 
• Best Season 5 Reference 
• Secret Secrets – honoring the best deep-cut or non-main cast character 

The celebration extends beyond race day. The Office 5K Weekend begins Thursday, April 30 with a series of themed events, including walking tours of Scranton, comedy shows, an Office trivia night, an Office marketplace, a pub crawl, and more. The nearby Everhart Museum is also hosting a special The Office exhibit featuring cast memorabilia and the show’s connection to Scranton. 

The race begins Saturday, May 2 at 1:00 p.m. at 523 Linden Street in Scranton. Pre-registered participants can pick up race packets at Cooper’s Seafood House (701 N. Washington Avenue) on Friday, May 1 from 4–7 p.m. Packets will also be available on race day. 

Media & Appearance Opportunities 

Event organizers are available for media interviews, podcast appearances, morning show segments, and promotional features in advance of race weekend. Media outlets interested in covering the event or booking an interview are encouraged to contact VIM President, Gus Fahey. 

General Public Call to Action 

Registration is now open, and participants are encouraged to sign up by April 19th to receive a free custom race T-shirt! The first 2,000 finishers will receive a custom Season 5 race medal! 

Register, Sponsor, learn more about race weekend events, or inquire about media appearances at: www.TheOffice5K.com 

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Media Contact: VIM President, Gus Fahey at 570-346-0600 or gus@valleyinmotion.org.