A couple of years ago, the GFWC Bridgeport Junior Woman’s Club decided to host a Halloween-time 5K and members appropriate named it the “Trick or Trot.”

 

“It was Emily Stapleton’s idea and she, of  course, loves running and wanted to do something for family, fun and fitness – a way we could give back to the community,” said Sarah Dodson, event co-chair.  

 

Last year, that event was repeated with over 100 runners and about $1,000 raised for the club’s service to the Bridgeport community.

 

The women are hoping the third year’s a charm and that the club will host its biggest 5K yet. 

 

“This year, we’ve raised beyond the $1,000 just in sponsorships alone,” said Natalie Mason, event co-chair.

 

The 2014 GFWC Trick or Trot takes place Saturday, Oct. 25. To date, about 50 runners/walkers are preregistered and there’s room for lots more. Through Friday afternoon, participants can register for $20 (adults) and $10 (children age 10 and under) at www.active.com. Registration on race day is $25 and $15, respectively. That registration starts at 7:30 a.m. at the Benedum Civic Center with the 5K kicking off at 9 a.m. At 8:45 a.m., a short Kids’ Dash will take place. There is no charge for that event, but on-site registration is required as a parental waiver must be signed.

 

Child care services, complete with lots of kids’ activities, will be offered during the main race.

 

“Children age 2 and older can stay with us while their parents run the race – or the kids are welcome to run the race, too,” Mason said. “We’ll have several stations set up with cookie decorating, bean bag toss, pumpkin bowling and other games.”

 

The race course, Dodson said, is from the Benedum Civic Center along the trail that runs past Main Street Station to City Park, two laps around the park and back to the Civic Center.

 

Medals will be awarded for the top three overall male and female finishers and first-place finishers in each age category.

 

Both adults and kids are encouraged to wear costumes. A prize will be awarded for the best-dressed runner/walker.

All finishers will be treated to bottled water, baked goods and complimentary bags – ideal for trick or treat.  Parking is available in city lots located across the street from Benedum Civic Center and at the city pool/tennis courts.

 

Proceeds from this year’s Trick or Trot will benefit the Children’s Health Pantry sponsored by Bridgeport Presbyterian Church.

 

“The organization works closely with social services to see what the needs are in the community and provides toiletries to kids of all ages,” Dodson said. “That could be diapers and wipes or deodorant and shampoo.”

 

The GFWC Juniors thanks Bridgeport Express Care and West Virginia Mobile Drug Testing for serving as platinum sponsors, Elogoed.com for donating bags, Enliven Chiropractic for sponsoring children’s activities and Grogg Heating and Cooling for donating bottled water. 

 

Editor's Note: Top photo/cover was taken at last year's Trick or Trot. Photo just above was captured from this year's promo video starting GFWC Juniors Natalie Mason and Gretchen Ross.