-By Kate Bartlett-
Registration is open for the much-anticipated annual Ellicottville Halloween Half Marathon and 5K. Grab a friend, grab a costume and get ready to run! There’s something for everyone at the EVL Half, Saturday October 22. 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. 9 years later, it is still going strong. With approximately 2,000 registered runners this year, it is one of the largest events in such a small community.
Doug Bush is the owner of Endurance Factor, the event management company that puts on the Ellicottville Halloween Half Marathon & 5K. “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 years, and we’re so thankful for the community support. Throughout the years, we’ve been able to help out a variety of local charities. This year’s race will support the Ellicottville Sports Boosters and the Ellicottville Food Pantry.”
Start and finish for both races will be on Monroe Street with the half marathon and relay starting at 11am, and 5K kicking off at 11:20am. 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. Water stations will be available throughout the course with GU sports drinks, Boom and GU Gels available at certain mile markers. Restrooms are also available throughout the course and it is USATF certified. Relay teams will be 2 people only, and capped at 50 teams, so secure your spot early.
Registered runners receive a custom designed t-shirt, finisher’s medal, race number and snack bag at the finish line. There will be awards ceremonies for men’s and women’s place in each age group at 12:30 (5K) and 2:30 (half marathon) 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 those traveling and looking for overnight accommodations, discounted room rates are available at the Inn at Holiday Valley and the Tamarack for larger groups. Visit https://evlhalf.com/accommodations/ or call Holiday Valley Resort & Rental Management at 716-699-2912.