5K race benefits Spring Garden Waldorf School
The Monster Dash 5K provides residents with a ghoulish good time and a healthy dose of outdoor activity, with proceeds benefiting a wholly unique school.
The race takes place Oct. 18, 9:15 a.m. at Lock 3 and not only includes runners dressed in costume, but a set of startling obstacles on the course, thanks to a group of volunteer “monsters.”
“At any point when you’re running, a monster could jump out and scare you,” says Katie Greenwald, co-chair of the annual race., who adds that despite the volunteer “monsters,” the event is family-friendly.
“It’s a well-rounded event for all ages,” says Crystal Snyder, who co-chairs the Monster Dash with Greenwald.
The Dash will benefit the Spring Garden Waldorf School, in Copley, the area’s only accredited Waldorf school, whose style of education is more hands-on and project-based than traditional education and focused on creative play for children.
Raven Ho, a Spring Garden Waldorf School student and event volunteer, says the Waldorf education “has an amazing curriculum. Students can develop at their own rate and speed and become more in tune with nature and with life and and be a better person in general.”
Businesses also are encouraged to participate in the Trick-or-Trot, which includes trick-or-treating and a children’s fun run. “It’s completely free for businesses to come out and join us,” Greenwald says. “They get to promote their business and get to hand out trick-or-treating items to the children who come along.”
While runners in past years have worn costumes (some past memorable outfits include Where’s Waldo and couples’ costumes like Dr. Seuss’ Thing 1 and Thing 2), this year’s event also features a costume contest, says Greenwald.
Monster Dash is Oct. 18, 9:15 a.m. at Lock 3 in downtown Akron. Registration for the 5K is $25, and the Trick-or-Trot is free for children who participate.
Visit monster-dash.com, to register, donate or find more information.
