Pink Halloween Fun Run to take place Oct. 25

Thursday, October 9, 2014
Whether pretty in pink or back in the habit, the public is invited to the fifth anual Pink Halloween Fun Run on Saturday, Oct. 25, beginning at Robe-Ann Park Shelter House No. 5. Registration for the 5K run and walk begins at 8:30 a.m., with recognition of survivors at 9:30 a.m. and the run beginning at 10. The run is free with a donated item, which will benefit the Putnam County Emergency Food Pantry, Coats for Kids, The Toy Drive and the American Cancer Society. Runners may dress up for Halloween, wear pink to support breast cancer awareness or simply wear their favorite running attire. (Photos by ERIC BERNSEE)

The Greencastle Parks and Recreation Department, along with the American Cancer Society, will be hosting the fifth annual Pink Halloween Fun Run on Saturday, Oct. 25 at Robe-Ann Park at Shelter House No. 5 in Greencastle.

Registration for the 5K run will begin at 8:30 a.m. with the run beginning at 10 a.m. and survivor recognition at 9:30 a.m. The run is free with the donation of an item, which will benefit the Putnam County Emergency Food Pantry, Coats for Kids, The Toy Drive and the American Cancer Society.

The 3.1-mile run/walk will go along Greencastle streets to DePauw University and back to the park.

"I started the Fun Run in 2010. The original idea was just to get a group of friends together to dress up silly and jog through the streets of Greencastle," race organizer and cancer survivor Rebecka Howard explained. "I had several friends interested so I went to the Parks Department and asked what I needed to do to make it publicized. The first Fun Run was a huge success with almost 200 participants."

Following the inaugural fun run, Howard was then approached by the American Cancer Society, which asked to join forces during the month of October for breast cancer awareness month.

"I had just been diagnosed with melanoma so I asked them if we could have donations toward Strides for Breast Cancer or just the American Cancer Society," Howard added. "They have been with me every year since. They set up their strides part and I set up the Fun Run part. We then changed the name from Halloween Fun Run to the PINK Halloween Fun Run."

Although, participants in the run are encouraged to wear costumes during the event, the run itself be family fun and not have a "scary" theme.

Donation boxes will be set up for each of the beneficiaries for participants to drop their items off into. Representatives from each organization will be on hand after the race to collect donations.

As a personal favor for Howard and her running buddy Stephen Hamilton, a 27-year-old friend who was born with cerebral palsy, donations will also be collected for the purchase of a new running chair.

"He loves to run (be pushed)," Howard said. "I have pushed him in several races including the 2013 Indy Mini half marathon. We have started a fund to raise money to get Stephen a custom-made racing chair through 'Team Hoyt' and 'Ansley's Angels.'"

Howard noted that Greencastle resident Drew Christy got a running chair similar to the one Howard is hoping to purchase for Stephen in September and depending on the weather, he will partake in the fun run this year.

"We are at 50 percent on collecting funds for this special made custom chair," Howard said. "I am hoping participants will donate to his chair this year so we can start training for the 2015 Indy Mini. The chair is very important to both of us so he can have a comfortable ride as we run. Running mini marathons takes us two hours and I want him to be comfortable as we go. "

Both runners and walkers are welcome to join in on the fun on Oct. 25. The race will not be timed and all participants will receive a finisher's certificate at the finish line along with a goody bag.

"We do have fun with costumes and I encourage the residents along Seminary Street to come out and cheer us on," Howard said. "I usually run with coupons and those standing outside get one if I have enough donated."

Race organizers are still seeking donations for door prizes and any kind of flyers, business cards or knick knacks to include in post 5K goody bags.

"You don't have to be a runner, walkers welcome," Howard stressed. "I love making people smile and get healthy. If you cannot donate, that's fine, come for free and join in."

Those interested in participating can register at City Hall, located at 1 N. Locust St.

People wanting to give a name in honor or memory of may contact Casey Trojnar of the American Cancer Society by emailing her at casey.trojnar@cancer.org or calling 317-344-7835. Trojnar will announce the names during the survivor recognition portion of the event.

For additional information or to donate toward Stephan's chair contact Howard at 720-2846 or by visiting https://www.crowdrise.com/StephenHeartAndSole/fundraiser/AinsleysAngels/1/return....

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