Costumes are welcome at the Trick or Trot Costume Fun Run and 1-mile walk to raise funds for upgrades at Ella Harris Park.
The Harrison Township Recreation Commission and Victory Physical Therapy are teaming for the Trick or Trot Costume fun run and 1-mile walk at Ella Harris Park on Saturday, Oct. 19, at 8:30 a.m.
The event will raise funds for renovations at the park. For the 5K, individuals have the option of entering their costumes in a contest. The event is rain or shine and is expected to draw between 50 and 75 people.
The costume awards will acknowledge the best costumes in three categores: children 14 and under, adults and groups. Awards will also go to the top three male and female runners in specific age groups: 14 and under, 15 to 19, 20 to 29, 30 to 39, 40 to 49, 50 to 59, 60 to 69 and 70 plus.
Victory Physical Therapy owners Michael and Vicki Walters will help coordinate the festival and set up sponsorships.
“We’ve been doing this for the past 17 years,” said Recreation Coordinator Sharon Chew. “Mike and Vicki Walters are the ones who started the event, while (Harrison Township) recreation (department) co-sponsors it.”
Other sponsors are Deborah Jacques, of Century 21 Raugh and Johns Realty; Dr. Craig M. Wax of Family Medicine & Health; High Street deli; the Running Company; Laudine DeDan; Langmore Salon; Delaware Valley Veterinary Hospital; Premier Orthopedic Associates; the law office of Brian J. Duffield; South Jersey/Harrison Heat; Ryan Weid, State Farm agent; Tru Clarity Hearing Care; Sisters jewelry store; Dr. Harry Landrum; Village Bagels and Greenland Contractors.
Runners are required to either register in person from 7:45 to 8:30 a.m. on the day of the race or reserve a spot online at runsignup.com. There is a fee; individuals can register for either the 5K run or 1-mile walk.
The proceeds will pay for an ADA (American With Disabilities Act)-compliant playground in the park and a handicapped-accessible walkway. Past events helped raised funds for other accessible equipment, including a swing set.
“We try to accommodate everyone,” Chew noted. “All the funds for the event are set aside for handicapped-accessible events and activities for all.”
