2023 Halloween Half & 5K
2023 Halloween Half & 5K
Grab Your Friends, Pick Out a Costume, and Get Ready to Run!
Here’s a pair we love to see… running shoes and Halloween costumes! Coming up on Saturday, October 21, 2023, is the 10th annual EVL Halloween Half Marathon and 5K. This event is organized by Doug Bush and welcomes all to enjoy a day of fun, whether you’re cheering from the sidelines or competing for the lead.
The EVL Half Marathon & 5K offers a few options for those interested in participating. There’s the Half Marathon, the 5K, a Half Marathon Relay, and even a Kids Run for the littlest of racers.
The Half Marathon is the perfect length for those looking to accomplish a course without the extended time and training for a full marathon. The 13.1-mile race is a noteworthy achievement for any runner looking to add to their record. The Half Marathon has an extended trail up Maples Road with some added loops throughout the side streets. There’s race support along the way with stations featuring water, sports drinks, gels, and bathrooms at various mile markers. This race begins at 11:00am.
The 5K is a great option for all types of runners looking to get some fun and added experience in, without overextending themselves. It’s a distance that many beginners can complete and enjoy, even those who might not consider themselves that experienced. With some light training, hydration, and proper breathing, the 5K is a great start for many runners looking to gain some skills. The course itself weaves through Parkside Drive and Pinetree Village Road then continues to Poverty Hill Road and back. Water stations will also be available at the 1- and 2-mile markers. The 5K begins at 11:15am.
The Half Marathon Relay is a two-person team that’s 6.55 miles per leg. This is ideal for a running pair that like to fuel the competition together. The Relay will start at 11:00am and has a point of exchange at the Mansfield Department of Public Works.
The Kids Run is a .75-mile race for all participants aged 13 and under. It’s an awesome way to get kids excited to dress up in their Halloween best, while encouraging some extra movement.
All courses are USATF certified to ensure accurately measured distances for participants. There is a course cut off at 3:15pm. Runners are still able to continue but won’t have the event support available.
Now that you know the courses, let’s talk costumes. There are plenty of categories to work with: Best Group (two or more people), Individual, Funniest, Scariest, Most Girly, Best Kid, and Best in Show. A panel of judges will be present at the Start/Finish line ready to rate the crowd. Let’s encourage the fun, silly, and weird racing through the course, who knows, maybe a Yeti will take the overall win. The Costume Contest is sponsored by Watson’s Chocolates and category winners will be awarded a Watson’s Chocolate Gift Basket in case you needed any more motivation.
But everyone gets a win for participating in The EVL Half Marathon & 5K. All runners entry include a race t-shirt (availability to upgrade to a long sleeve ¼ zip for $12), finishing metal, snacks, food & beverage tickets, and all the fun that come along with it.
The organization for the EVL Halloween Half & 5K expects to see around 1,500 to almost 2,000 guests attending. Mayor John Burrell has welcomed its presence by saying it’s “the best run event we have!”. So to be sure that the course runs smoothly with this influx of visitors, the necessary street closures and detours have been put in place for safety and convenience. Google Maps has been notified to update traffic delays and alternative routes for the event. Street closures will include the North side of Monroe Street between Elizabeth and Washington Street, the South side of Monroe Street between Maybee Alley and Martha Street, and Elizabeth Street between Route 219 and Jefferson Street. The route is the same course as previous years and really seems to work well with the coordination of organizers, local police, and county sheriff departments.
Participants that may still be looking for lodging accommodations can reach out to Holiday Valley for discounted rooms. They offer various spaces such as hotel rooms at The Tamarack Club or The Inn, or Condominiums and Vacation Home rentals for larger groups. Be sure to check out availability HERE and even extend your stay for the weekend.
The event means more to the community than just a run. They have partnered with The Ellicottville Sport Boosters and Nazareth Food Pantry at the United Church of Ellicottville as their charitable causes. There will be a food bank donation site at registration and organizers encourage donations to the pantry with whichever items may be available. A list has been provided for suggestions such as: canned proteins, dried foods, canned goods, as well as paper products, toothpaste, and dish soap. They only ask that junk food be excluded from any donations.
Event parking should be noted as there will be many visitors in the area. A reserved lot at 55 Jefferson Street is available with a voluntary $10 donation to be made. The lot is run by one of the events charitable partners and will help raise funds for the organization and expenses. Additional parking is available throughout the Village of Ellicottville, but please note the local parking signage and avoid illegal spots.
There’s still plenty to do once the race has wrapped up. Crossing the finish line puts you right back at the center of the Village offering restaurants, shops, and entertainment all around. An after party will be held at Ellicottville Brewing Company at 28 Monroe Street. A great time to meet new people, share running stories, and show off those metals. Each runner will be given food and beer tickets to enjoy some recovery food and cheers to a race well done. You’ll want to stick around for the awards and even a DJ to keep the evening going.
Registration for the EVL Half Marathon & 5k is still open so grab yourself a spot and we’ll see you at the starting line! Bib pick up will open at 8:00am at Ellicottville Brewing Company, and the races will start/finish at 5 Monroe Street.