There was the Roaring Run trail’s Race to the Moon 5K most years in July when Apollo celebrated the first moon landing. But that race was canceled two years in a row because of the pandemic.
Now resurrected with a spooky theme is the Howl at the Moon 5K and a one-mile walk on Roaring Run Trail on Saturday, Oct. 23.
“Being Halloween time you never know what may jump out of the woods,” said event organizers from the Roaring Run Watershed Association.
The competitive race and non-competitive walk will be held at night, continuing a tradition for the Roaring Run Watershed Association’s annual 5Ks.
The trail will be lined with more than 120 luminary lights.
Nonetheless, everyone will need to carry a flashlight, said Ken Kaminski, president of the watershed’s board.
The group will award trophies for the first three male and female finishers as well as race winners in different age groups.
Refreshments will be offered after the race.
Given the limited parking at the trail, runners and walkers will need to park at 310 Clifford Ave. in Apollo and then be bused to the trail.
Watershed’s major fundraiser
The Howl at the Moon race will be the primary fundraising event for the Roaring Run Watershed Association.
The race cancellations from the last two years caused the nonprofit to lose out on $10,000 in proceeds from the two events, Kaminski said.
“The race money paid for most of our operating costs to maintain the trail,” he said. That is keeping the three lawnmowers in good working order to regularly cut the grass along the 5-mile long berm on both sides of the trail and along the mountain bike trail.
“Operating funds get depleted, although sponsorships have been great,” Kaminski said.
The nonprofit receives no government money for its system of trails, which the association owns.
Half a dozen volunteers and the 13 board directors all pitch in to keep the trails free of debris and spiffy.
To volunteer, visit the association’s website.