HomeFront’s festive Halloween 5K race, 1-mile fun run/walk, and 100-yard preschooler pumpkin dash is set for Oct. 31 to raise funds for the nonprofit’s programs that serve homeless children.
The family fun kicks off at 10 a.m. at 52 Carnegie Center in Princeton with music, costume contests, games, “trunk or treating” for children, a Halloween-themed 1-mile fun run/walk, a separate 5K for runners on a flat, fast, USA Track & Field-certified course, a 5K “marathon finisher” event, and more. Registration information is available online here.
People can participate in-person at the live event or virtually. COVID-19 protocols (masking, social distancing) will be followed at the in-person event to keep it safe, and if warranted, the festivities will be moved completely online if circumstances change in the weeks ahead.
Proceeds from the event support Homefront’s year-round programming for homeless and at-risk school-age youngsters, including Joys, Hopes & Dreams, a program that provides an average 400 children a year with tutoring, educational enrichment sports, field trips, art, camping, mentoring and college prep assistance.
“This programming plays a critical role in helping our kids break the cycle of poverty so that they can realize their dreams,” said HomeFront Founder & CEO Connie Mercer.
There are 82 spots left for the in-person 100-yard preschool pumpkin dash. Registration costs $10 and closes online at midnight on Oct. 24, or as soon as all entrant slots are filled.
Registration for the in-person 1-mile run/walk costs $25 and closes at midnight on Oct. 29. Virtual participants in the 1-mile walk/run can register until midnight on Oct. 31.
Registration for the in-person 5K race, or in-person “marathon-finisher” 5K, costs $30 and closes at midnight on Oct. 29. Virtual participants can register until midnight on Oct. 31.
Trophies will be awarded to the top three male and female runners overall and in each of the following age groups: 0-14, 15-25, 26-35, 36-45, 46-55, 56-65, and over 65. Prizes will be awarded for the largest team, top fundraising individual, and top fundraising team.
There will be prizes awarded for the best adult and child Halloween costumes, but participants are asked not to wear scary costumes that may frighten very young children.
For complete registration information, go to HomeFront’s sign-up page here.
