Participants are encouraged to wear Halloween costumes at the upcoming Trick or Trot 5K, to raise funds for making playgrounds accessible to all.
The Harrison Township Recreation Commission is teaming with Victory Physical Therapy to host the Trick or Trot 5K run and one-mile walk on Saturday, Oct. 25, at Ella Harris Park.
Registration for the Halloween-themed event will take place from 7:45 to 8:30 a.m., when the race will begin. Participants can also register in advance at runsignup.com.
Individuals are encouraged to participate in costume.
“We’ve had all kinds of costumes,” said Recreation Coordinator Sharon Chew. “We’ve had Marvel superheroes before. The Walters would always dress together with their family when their kids were younger. One year, they were the cast of ‘Scooby-Doo,’ and in another, they were ‘Toy Story’ characters. “
The Walters are Mike and Vickey Walters, who as co-owners of Victory Physical Therapy, are helping to coordinate the event. Vickey was at one point the vice chairwoman of recreation.
The 5K will also feature awards for best individual costume and group costume. Prizes will also go to the runners who finish first, second and third. The recreation commission is expecting a big turnout; last year’s event drew 42 participants, according to Chew.
Proceeds from the 5K will help fund installation of handicapped-accessible playground equipment at both Ella Harris Park and William Wilt Soccer Complex. Upgrades will include adding pavement so wheelchairs can navigate the parks better and providing better playground access.
“We just installed new equipment last year and the proceeds from last year’s event helped with that,” Chew explained. “We do it to make things more wheelchair-accessible and inclusive for all.”
