With the 5th annual Monster Mash Run/Walk taking place in Alton Baker Park this Sunday, October 21, expect to see crazy costumes running, literally running, around the trails near the Willamette River.
The dog- and kid-friendly event is being held by Slocum as a fundraiser for Kidsports, a non-profit organization whose aim is to get kids outside and active by holding sports tournaments and granting scholarships. In addition to fundraising, the event’s other goal is to serve as an awareness campaign to get people thinking about leading healthier lives.
“This is certainly a fundraiser, but it’s also an awareness-raiser,” said Beverly Smith, executive director of Kidsports. “It is a way for the community to get together and celebrate a healthy and active lifestyle.”
The Monster Mash has a little something for everyone. There is the main 5K course, which is open to all ages, and for participants 14 and under, there is a 1K option as well. Whether or not you’re looking to better your 5K time, both routes are stroller-friendly, well-marked, and will have sponsor and food booths.
“It’s going to be a lot of fun,” Smith said. “We have prizes for costumes. We have dogs that are dressed up. It’s sort of an early October Halloween celebration. A lot of the Slocum staff and doctors take part in it. The fitness and health community is buying into it as well. It’s a really a mix and mash of families in the communities and our organizations.”
[Originally published in October 2012 by Lane Today, now disbanded]