If you’re wondering how you missed the first 50 Holiday Stroll, Walk & Runs-stop wondering! You didn’t. This is actually the first time this event will be held. However, it is named after the 51st anniversary of “The Great Capitol Caper” and The Roman Runners-participants in the event.
You may know the Roman Runners for their year round activities including the ROME FOR THE HOLIDAYS 5k Walk and Run which will be held on December 3 as part of the 51st Anniversary; but you may be asking, “What is the Great Capitol Caper”?
Well, the story goes like this:
On Thursday, December 9, 1971 at 9:05pm, a man armed with a handgun approached the Capitol Theatre ticket booth and demanded the attendant turn over the money or he would shoot her.
The box office attendant, Elizabeth Perry, alerted off duty police officer John Keys. He was working part time at the Capitol as an usher and bringing hotdogs to the booth. The robber fled and Keys chased him through the streets of Rome-leaving his hot dog behind. The suspect was apprehended and brought to justice.
One big question has never been answered:
What happened to John’s hot dog?
NOTE: While we are able to look back on this incident in 2022 and chuckle at its context, it is important to note that we take any kind of attack on our street very seriously, and do not condone any criminal behavior. Especially in light of the recent break-ins at both Cinema Capitol and the Capitol Theatre.
Here are the activities scheduled for the 51st Anniversary Holiday Stroll-5K Walk and Run on December 3rd. The day’s events are free and open to the public.