Denver's cheesiest 5K road race is here!

Did you know that Mac 'N Noodles, part of Denver's Food Truck Avenue, puts on a Mac 'N Cheese 5K every year? This year marks the 3rd year of the race, which is also a fundraiser! Read on to learn more.

How it All Began

It all started when David first met his wife, Meghan, while he was working at a food truck. David was working at the food truck, while Meghan was participating in a Runners Roost running group. They had both come from running backgrounds, which gave them plenty of experience and ideas to create a fun race here in Denver.

Foster Source

The Mac 'N Cheese 5K partners with a great cause, Foster Source. Foster Source works to give kids in foster care a better future. As many foster parents quit within the first year, Foster Source helps provide guidance and support to families so they can be better prepared to take care of children in the foster system.

David and Meghan both come from large families. They also personally know the founders of Foster Source.

Speaking on this charity, David said, "We have a special place in our hearts for kids and wanting to try and give everyone the best shot at life possible. Foster kids are a group we feel everyone can get behind and support."

It is clear that this charity is close to their hearts.

Since the beginning, they have partnered with this cause. While they had additional charity partners at the inaugural event, they felt that they would be able to make the biggest difference by focusing on one cause.

Costumes Contest

The Mac 'N Cheese 5K isn't just a run, it also includes a costume contest! In the past, popular costumes have been types of mac 'n cheese and animals.

When asked about his favorite costume, David told us, "I don't know if I have a favorite, but I know my least favorite has been a certain blue box mac and cheese not worthy of being named."

Noted. If you're looking to score a prize, avoid the blue box!

Why Mac 'N Cheese?

As mentioned, Mac 'N Noodles is part of the Denver food truck collective, Food Truck Avenue. So what made Mac 'N Noodles the perfect truck for this 5K? For one thing, most people love mac 'n cheese. (I certainly can't think of anyone I know who doesn't!) Kids and adults alike can both find comfort and enjoyment in a nice warm and cheesy bowl of mac. A big aspect of this event is that it's family-friendly, and mac 'n cheese has to be one of the most family-friendly dishes there is. 

Run From Home

Did you know you can also partake in this event at home? This option was inspired by COVID, as the pandemic caused many people to learn how to do things remotely. This allows people who may not be able to join in person to still help support children in the foster system!

What About Non-Runners?

Even if you aren't a runner, you can still have a blast! The Mac 'N Cheese 5K is for everyone.

"If you love eating, music, supporting a good cause, and having a fun experience around music and food we are here for you! Running is not required and Mac 'N Cheese is still available for purchase!" David told us.

So grab your friends and family, runners or not, and head out to support Foster Source and have tons of fun.

"Our race has something for everyone. From the elite runner to the first-time runner to the runner just hoping to finish," David assured.

Expectations for 2022 and Years to Come

Over the years, the Mac 'N Cheese 5K has seen a fantastic turnout. The biggest year was right before COVID, and they are hoping to reach those same levels soon, and grow even bigger. 

"We expect it to grow by offering an experience you can't find elsewhere. Every year, if people have a good experience and share it with their friends and family, we believe we will be able to do more and more for the foster kids in Colorado," David said.

The experience is a huge aspect of this event. They include dueling pianos, face painting, DJs, balloon artists, course decorations, and stereos at every 1/4 mile, in order to make it the most fun race around. We can't wait to watch this fun run continue to thrive and grow!

Event Details

Here's what you need to know about this awesome event! The Mac 'N Cheese 5K takes place Saturday, November 19, at Hudson Gardens in Littleton, and begins at 10 a.m. You can find the link for further details and event registration here. 

The autumn season is great for fun runs, especially ones that are tied to charities!