Indialantic hosts its popular Halloween-themed 5K for the fifth year
By Meagan McGone
mmcgone@hometownnewsol.com
INDIALANTIC - This Halloween, eat all of the candy corn you can get your hands on, without feeling too guilty.
You'll have a chance to make up for it by signing up for the town of Indialantic's fifth annual "Witch Way 5K" on Saturday, Oct. 13.
The Halloween-themed race will take both costume-adorned and regularly outfitted runners through the streets of Indialantic, starting and ending at Nance Park. The 5K kicks off at 5:30 p.m.
"Last year, 780 runners registered for the 5K," said Cathy Berkman, who co-chairs the event with Brooke Deratany Goldfarb. "This year, we are hoping to get at least that amount of people, if not more."
For those wishing to celebrate Halloween without lacing up their running shoes, the town of Indialantic will host a party after the race, which starts at 6:45 p.m. in the Indialantic Shopping Center, located behind Long Doggers. There, children can partake in trick-or-treating at the local businesses, while an awards ceremony will take place to honor the top racers. Other fun activities include a bounce house, a train ride, music, food and a costume contest.
"This really is a family-friendly event," Mrs. Berkman said. "There will be something there for everyone."
The "Witch Way 5K" will benefit the beach boardwalk renovation project, which aims to replace the Indialantic Boardwalk.
"This event will benefit the town of Indialantic by putting money into restoring our boardwalk," Mrs. Berkman said. "We are in the process of replacing the handicapped-accessible ramp at the boardwalk right now. After five years of hosting the "Witch Way 5K," it is nice to see the proceeds being used for something that everyone in our community can enjoy."
Additionally, funds will benefit the Florida Wildlife Hospital and Sanctuary, which provides aid to sick, injured and abandoned wildlife native to Florida.
"We are hoping runners will bring an item on the wish list of the Florida Wildlife Hospital and Sanctuary to donate to them," Mrs. Berkman said.
Wish list items can be found at www.floridawildlifehospital.org/wishlist.html.
Costs for this year's "Witch Way 5K" are $27 for adults and $20 for children (12 and younger) prior to the day of the race. If registering the day of the race, the race costs $32 for adults and $25 for children.
Participants can register and pick up their race packets at Running Zone, 3696 N. Wickham Road in Melbourne, the day before the race, on Oct. 12, or the day of the race at Nance Park between 4:15 and 5:15 p.m. This year, for participating in the race, runners and walkers will receive tech T-shirts made of material that wicks away moisture.
Mrs. Berkman said that in an effort to ensure safety among participants of the "Witch Way 5K," the town is asking that drivers use Riverside Drive, rather than A1A, from about 5:30 to 7 p.m. on the day of the race.
For more information about the event, visit www.witchway5k.com.