Astronauts, aliens … and kids, oh my
2016-04-07
On March 19, Starport appealed to many life forms for their annual spring festival, which included a Children’s Spring Fling, flea market and craft fair, as well as the ever-popular Aliens vs. Astronauts 5K race with two scenic routes to choose from—a “moon” or “Mars” option.
For 2016 there was another new twist for the race—an attempt to break a world record for “largest gathering of people dressed as astronauts.”
“We wanted something new to bring to this year’s Aliens vs. Astronauts 5K,” said Drew Dobbins, director of Sports Leagues, Clubs and Outdoor Recreation at Starport.
While Johnson Space Center team members and friends did not break the Guinness World Record of 250 people, they did break a record with a company called Record Setter with 67 participants and NASA astronaut Stan Love.
“People’s costumes were remarkable, creative, fun and brought out the imaginations in us all,” Dobbins said. “We saw a wide spectrum, from the basic of outfits with patches, hats and shirts, to NASA jumpsuits, homemade helmets, gloves, backpacks, oxygen tanks and boots.”
Though Love had to compete for attention with other wanna-be explorers, he was a good sport throughout the day’s festivities.
“He gave us a race countdown prior to the start of the 5K and also gave out the awards to the top male and female and age-category finishers,” Dobbins said. “Having him there truly made the race and record legitimate and credible.”
View the Record Setter video here.
“We definitely plan to attempt the record again next year and keep adding to what we already have … and hopefully set the Guinness World Record,” Dobbins said.
Want more Starport? Click on their website.
Catherine Ragin Williams
NASA Johnson Space Center
For 2016 there was another new twist for the race—an attempt to break a world record for “largest gathering of people dressed as astronauts.”
“We wanted something new to bring to this year’s Aliens vs. Astronauts 5K,” said Drew Dobbins, director of Sports Leagues, Clubs and Outdoor Recreation at Starport.
While Johnson Space Center team members and friends did not break the Guinness World Record of 250 people, they did break a record with a company called Record Setter with 67 participants and NASA astronaut Stan Love.
“People’s costumes were remarkable, creative, fun and brought out the imaginations in us all,” Dobbins said. “We saw a wide spectrum, from the basic of outfits with patches, hats and shirts, to NASA jumpsuits, homemade helmets, gloves, backpacks, oxygen tanks and boots.”
Though Love had to compete for attention with other wanna-be explorers, he was a good sport throughout the day’s festivities.
“He gave us a race countdown prior to the start of the 5K and also gave out the awards to the top male and female and age-category finishers,” Dobbins said. “Having him there truly made the race and record legitimate and credible.”
View the Record Setter video here.
“We definitely plan to attempt the record again next year and keep adding to what we already have … and hopefully set the Guinness World Record,” Dobbins said.
Want more Starport? Click on their website.
Catherine Ragin Williams
NASA Johnson Space Center
