By Kate Bartlett
Registration is open for the much-anticipated annual Ellicottville Halloween Half Marathon, Relay and 5K. Grab a friend, grab a costume and get ready to run next Saturday, October 21st. The event will be a fun-filled Halloween-themed race featuring a half marathon (13.1 miles), half marathon relay, and 5K. Runners of all abilities are encouraged to join in the fun.
The race started back in 2013 with hopes of creating a fun race for all-levels, and to help Ellicottville thrive as an all-season’s resort town. 10 years later, it is still going strong. The event typically draws about 2,000 runners per year making it one of the largest events for such a small community. This year is anticipated to be the largest yet with approximately 2,200 participants.
Doug and Gwen Bush are the owners and founders of the event. They sought to bring the community together with a festive event promoting healthy living. “We are so thankful that the community embraced the event and we’ve grown substantially over the past 10 years. We are fortunate to have been able to take a historically slow weekend in Ellicottville and turn it into an event attracting over 2000 attendees, along with their families.”
This year will feature a Kids’ Fun Run for the first time. The kid’s race will start at 10am (before the 5K and half) on a ¾ mile non-competitive race with Watson’s chocolates Finishers medals for all registered children. “We are looking forward to our first kids run. We are fortunate to have enough resources with the involvement of the Caring Closet to be able to ensure the safety of our youngest runners,” says Doug.
“The community is what makes this event so unique. The atmosphere of the race and the start and finish in the village are one-of-a-kind. It’s been great to watch the event grow and evolve over the past 10 years, and we’re so thankful for the community support.
Race courses will follow similar routes to previous years with the half marathon and relay starting at 11am, and 5K kicking off at 11:15am. The rolling course heads out of the village North through the scenic country roads and back into the village. Intersections will be patrolled by local Police in order to provide a safe experience for all participants. “Safety is of the upmost importance during the race for participants and motorists alike. We work hard to employ a safe environment along the course.”
Upon registration, runners will receive a custom designed t-shirt that can be upgraded to a long sleeve (additional cost). Registered runners that complete the 5K, half marathon or relay receive a finisher’s medal, recovery food, bragging rights and an awesome after party at Ellicottville Brewing Company with the first beer included.
There will be awards ceremonies for men’s and women’s place in each age group at the Ellicottville Brewing Company. Awards will also be given for the best consumes in the following categories: best group (two or more people), best individual, funniest, scariest, most girly, best kid and best in show.
For more information and to register visit: www.evlhalf.com.