Hibbing Parks & Rec is gearing up to once again offer a fall run. This year it will be conducted under a new name.
The Halloween 5K & Kids Fun Run will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, with the start and finish at Memorial Building. This replaces the run known as Sweets on the Streets.
Now in its third year, Parks & Rec Programmer Heather Matvey said the event’s origins seemed to point toward a fall event and Halloween was the perfect holiday to tie in.
“Adding in costumes, candy and music were a way to add some fun to the day. After a few tweaks and a course change, this 5K has become an October tradition,” she added. “Hibbing Parks & Rec is happy to provide not only a great community event, but also a quality recreation experience.”
Online registration is now open and will be until 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25. The 5K is $25 in advance and will increase to $30 on race day. The Kids Fun Run is $10. Registration includes a T-shirt.
Race-day registration will be from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the Memorial Building. The 5K begins at 10 a.m. with the Kids Fun Run at 11 a.m. Awards will follow.
Matvey said this 5K is great for all ages and abilities.
“The course is two loops of fairly flat roads and is perfect for runners and walkers alike,” she explained. “Over the last few years, we have welcomed elite athletes completing the course in less than 18 minutes as well as walkers who took an hour. Plus, the Kids Fun Run is the perfect event for younger kids. It’s under a mile and there is plenty of candy to go around.”
Adding to the Halloween fun and uniqueness of this event is the costume element. Participants are encouraged, but not required, to be in costume.
“We have awards for costumes in a variety of categories: funniest, best group, cutest, etc.,” said Matvey. “Running through town dressed as a superhero just adds to the fun of the day and community members love to see it.”
Organizers have worked hard over the past events to make improvements to the event, with the goal of making it as seamless as possible.
“Last year we changed the route to a two-loop course and housed the registration indoors at the Memorial Building,” said Matvey. “Both of these changes really improved the race and provided important things like great parking, access to restrooms, warm indoor prep area, and a course that is fast and fairly flat. We are always looking for ways to improve, and we are excited about how the details are working out.”
Offering this “trick or feet” event also fits in well with Parks & Rec’s mission.
“Hibbing Parks & Rec works to create opportunities to recreate, because we know that those experiences promote healthy living, great memories, and a sense of community,” said Matvey. “The Halloween 5K fits right in with our mission to help Hibbing recreate.”
For more information on the Halloween 5K & Kids Fun Run, visit Hibbing Parks & Rec on Facebook. To register, log onto https://hibbing.finnlyconnect.com/registration/activityitem/5592?fbclid=IwY2xjawFyPHtleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHRqNqaN2EVSIZ7xc71fEBI4oHjlxPu5VZWOTwo3Cw2qkvZYAc3E07fjR7Q_aem_IhGvpfPvMgIy0Y5aaS0H-A
