Dayton, Ohio – Stillwater Center in Dayton is preparing to bring together runners, walkers, wheelchair users, families and other community members for its first Spooktacular 5K and Fun Run, an event that will mix physical activity with Halloween-themed entertainment while raising support for people who live at the center.
The inaugural event will be held Saturday, Oct. 17, at Stillwater Center, located at 8100 N. Main St. in Dayton. Registration will open at 7:30 a.m., while the race is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m.
Organizers designed the event to include people with different abilities. Along with the 5K run and walk, there will be a fun run covering nearly half a mile, including an accessible option for participants who use wheelchairs.
The day will offer more than racing. Families and participants can take part in trick or treating, a costume contest and raffles while enjoying a festive atmosphere intended for people of different ages and abilities.
“This 5K gives our community a chance to come together, get active and have some festive fun while creating opportunities for the people who call Stillwater Center home,” Commission President Carolyn Rice said. “Bring the entire family, wear a costume and enjoy everything this event has to offer. We hope you’ll join us for a fun-filled day that celebrates the individuals who live at Stillwater Center by supporting activities that enrich their lives.”
Event will support Stillwater Center residents
Stillwater Center is home to about 98 children and adults who have various intellectual or physical disabilities and complex medical needs. Residents are dependent on total care.
Operating as an Intermediate Care Facility, the center provides permanent and respite living options along with medical care and therapy. Residents also have access to habilitation services, recreational programs and other forms of support.
The goal is to provide those services in an environment that is safe, supportive and feels like a home.
Money raised through the Spooktacular 5K will directly benefit the people living at Stillwater Center. Proceeds will help pay for recreational programs, therapeutic activities and other important items that are not covered through traditional funding sources.
Organizers say those activities can create enjoyable experiences, encourage connections and provide residents with opportunities that improve their daily lives.
“This new event is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the individuals we serve and the community that supports them,” said Dr. Michelle Pierce-Mobley, Director of Stillwater Center. “We’re excited to bring people together for a fun event that makes a lasting difference.”
Costumes add Halloween spirit to the race
Halloween costumes are encouraged for participants who want to take part in the event’s costume contest. Because the Spooktacular 5K is designed as a family friendly gathering, organizers are asking participants to choose costumes that are fun and appropriate for children. Costumes featuring gore, graphic material or other content unsuitable for children should be avoided.
Several prizes will be offered based on age.
For children age 12 and younger, costume contest categories include Best Overall, Most Creative and Best Character. Participants older than 12 can compete in the Best Overall, Funniest and Best Couple/Group categories.
Registration for the 5K costs $35 in advance and increases to $40 for race day registration.
Organizers also listed fun run options at $10 without a shirt and $20 with a shirt included. The fun run itself is also being offered as a free participation option, with additional event shirts available to order in advance for $15.
People who register by Oct. 7 are guaranteed a themed T-shirt.
With the combination of a 5K, accessible activities, costumes, trick-or-treating, and raffle prizes, Stillwater Center is aiming to make its first Spooktacular event a gathering where the wider Dayton community can participate together.
Beyond the Halloween entertainment and exercise, the event will help provide additional resources for Stillwater Center residents. Money raised will go toward experiences, activities and needed items that traditional funding does not cover, giving participants a way to support the center while taking part in a community event.
Registration for the Spooktacular 5K and Fun Run is available through the event registration page.
