Costumed readers provided literary support for the runners in Sunday’s 14th annual Readers Become Leaders 5K held at Minot Forest Elementary School.

This year, race organizer and Wareham Middle School physical education teacher Nicole Stahmer said she was encouraged by the number of young runners who signed up.

“We had quite a few kids participate this year, which gave the race a younger feel,” said Stahmer.

Started by the Wareham Middle School English Language Arts Department, the road race raises money for books, technology and other items to help enrich education at district schools.

Along the route, which started and ended at the school, people dressed as characters from books, including teacher Janice Barton, read aloud as runners passed by.

This year, Barton dressed in traditional Cape Verdean clothes to read “The Biggest Liar,” a folk tale from the African island chain.

It was much different look from the costume she wore last year, a fearsome Millicent from the Sleeping Beauty.

“The students were scared to come into class last year,” she joked.

Among the runners was Wareham Middle School Principal Peter Steedman who said he was glad to see people participating.

“It’s great to see everyone come out and support the school,” said Steedman. “There’s a great mix of ages and abilities. You’ve got people like me who are weekend runners and others who look like they do this for a living.”