The Waldo Waldo 5K

The race was founded by Chelise Foster in 2012 as a response to the Waldo Canyon Wildfire.[2] According to a Q&A with Foster, it was originally meant to be a small gathering of volunteers that would dress up in Where's Waldo costumes to clean up the Waldo Canyon, but instead became a fundraiser to help offset the financial burden following the disaster. Foster was an elope, Inc. employee at the time, and the company agreed to provide Waldo and Wenda costumes at a discount for the event, and has been the presenting sponsor since.[3][4] The inaugural race at the America the Beautiful Park included over 1,000 participants, and raised approximately $20,000 for the Waldo Canyon Firefighter Relief Fund.[5][6]

In subsequent iterations, the Waldo Waldo 5K has split raised funds between the Trails and Open Space Coalition and the Rocky Mountain Field Institute.[3] Since 2012, event organizers have attempted to break the Guinness World Record for "Largest gathering of people dressed as Wally/Waldo" with no success. In an interview with Fox 21 News during the 2014 5K, Foster stated,"We have about 3,200 this year. But the world record has always been secondary. If we get the world record that’s great, but it’s really just a fun way to get people out here."[7]

Before 2014, the 5K ran through the America the Beautiful Park. It now begins and ends at the Pioneers Museum in central Downtown Colorado Springs.[3] Recent events have included yoga classes, food trucks, and exhibitors before and after the event.[6] Live music and a beer garden were added in the 2015 race.[1]

The event has generally met with favorable views from participants and spectators. Several runners at the 2015 event described it as a "fun experience" and "a symbol of teamwork and unification."[8] In 2014, The Colorado Springs Independent gave the Waldo Waldo 5K silver in "best fundraising event."[9]