Halloween Fun Run Coming Oct. 21

Autumn is around the corner and so is our annual 5K Run/Walk. We used to call this family- and pet-friendly event Running the Foothills, but the last couple of years we’ve added a fun Halloween element. The Halloween Fun Run and Kids Pumpkin Run will happen on Saturday, Oct. 21. We still gather at Two Strike Park at 7 a.m., we still run, walk, jog or stroll across Orange Avenue and back, and we still give a portion of the proceeds to local schools and youth groups. But now we do it with Halloween costumes! If you want. If you don’t, just grab those running shorts and shoes and go for the gold.

Personally, I don’t love to run but I adore walking. While there is a healthy dose of competitive running in our 5K race, walking is absolutely acceptable. Lots of families move as a unit up and down the open roadway. It’s a lot of fun and the weather is usually stunning.

The Crescenta Valley Chamber cares about creating not just a healthy business climate in our town but a healthy population as well. Did you know the Halloween Fun Run is the only 5K event in La Crescenta? It’s suitable for every level of fitness. If you commit to taking a quick walk every day, you may even be in good enough shape to score a top-level race time. It certainly can’t hurt. According to Prevention Magazine, a 30-minute daily walk can help every person in at least seven ways:

•Your mood will improve

•Your creative juices will start flowing

•Your jeans will get a little looser

•You’ll slash your risk of chronic disease

•You’ll keep your legs looking great

•You’ll start to get more “regular”

•Your other goals will start to seem more reachable

So make that commitment to your health by registering today for the Halloween Fun Run. It’s $25 to enter and includes a race T-shirt. Five dollars of your entry may be donated to the school or youth group of your choice. To enter, go to www.crescentavalleychamber.org/5k.

The Kids Pumpkin Run is a separate, one-mile jog around Two Strike Park for the little ones. It’s free to participate unless you choose to get an event T-shirt ($10). Sign-ups for the Pumpkin Run are also available on our website.

If you feel so inclined, we’re offering sponsorships for the Halloween Fun Run. One hundred dollars (or $250 with company logo) will get your name on the event T-shirt and in advertising. Show the community you care about its well being by becoming a sponsor. Call Lisa at the office: (818) 248-4957 for more info.

I want my goals to seem more reachable – I’m going out for a walk! Talk to you next week.

  Lisa DUPUY