By Kate Bartlett
October 26th marks the 11th annual EVL Halloween Half Marathon, 5K, and Relay—also known as the EVL Half. Grab a friend, don your best costume, and get ready to run in this much-anticipated event. Runners of all abilities are encouraged to join in the fun!
Doug and Gwen Bush, the owners and founders of the event, started the race in 2014 with the hope of creating a fun and inclusive experience for runners of all levels, while helping Ellicottville thrive as an all-season resort town. Over the years, it has grown into one of the most anticipated running events of the season.
The EVL Half typically draws close to 2,000 runners per year making it one of the largest events for such a small community. Last year was one of the biggest to date and this year is looking like it will continue that trend.
The racecourse 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. “As always, our goal is to provide a fun and safe experience for all participants,” Gwen states.
Prizes will be awarded for men’s and women’s placements in each age group at the after-party at Ellicottville Brewing Company. The costume competition, sponsored by Watson’s Chocolates, can get pretty fierce as athletes come out dressed to impress. Costume categories include: Best Group (two or more people), Best Individual, Funniest, Scariest, Most Girly, Best Kid, and Best in Show.
“There’s something truly magical about watching our community come alive, as runners in creative costumes fill the streets with laughter and energy. Seeing families and friends of all ages come together to celebrate health and happiness amidst the beauty of Ellicottville warms my heart every year. We like to think our races are a testament to the vibrant spirit and togetherness that makes Ellicottville so special. This community is like no other, and we are genuinely grateful for the support of the residents, merchants, and our athletes.”
Even if you’re not a walker or runner, you can still join the event festivities by cheering on the athletes along the route and heading to the after-race party at Ellicottville Brewing Company.
Sign up today! For more information and to register visit www.evlhalf.com, and join the fun on Saturday, October 26th in the village of Ellicottville.