This year’s Trick or Trot 5K, hosted annually by the GFWC Bridgeport Juniors, has a bright new twist. The nighttime Glow Run will be held the evening of Saturday, Oct. 23 at The Bridge Sports Complex.

 

“We’ve actually wanted to do this for a long time, but we’ve never had the ideal place to do it in Bridgeport, somewhere where evening traffic could be well controlled, dark enough you could experience the whole glow run theme, but well enough lit that it’s safe,” said Krista Arnold of GFWC Juniors. “The Bridge offers the all-around perfect atmosphere for that.”

 

It’s an event for competitive runners and leisure walkers.

 

“We want to make it appealing to a wide variety of people - whether they come out to walk or leisurely run for fun and experience the Glow Run and the atmosphere with a DJ or if they are there for the competitive aspect of it.”

 

Awards will be presented to the top male and female finisher overall and first through third place for each age group.

 

There will also be an award for best dressed and the largest team.

 

“When people sign up, they can create or join a team and we’ll have trophy for the largest team,” Arnold said. “Organizations, workplaces or gyms are encouraged to have teams.”

 

Participants are encouraged to wear neon colors or something white or light that can be seen easily in the dark.

 

“We’ll supply glow bracelets for everyone and if they want to bring their own glow gear, that’s great,” Arnold said.

 

The first 100 people to register will also receive large LED flashing foam sticks. The event is for adults and children. The first competitive age group is 10 & under.

 

To register, visit www.runsignup.com and search for Bridgeport Juniors. Registration fee is $20 through Oct. 18 and $25 Oct. 19-22. 

On race day, packet pickup will be at 6 p.m. with the run/walk beginning at 6:45 p.m. Tom Mellott will serve as DJ, playing tunes throughout the evening.

 

“This is definitely different. As far as I know, there has never been a Glow Run in Bridgeport,” Arnold said. “We typically do well with this (Trick or Trot) event. Last year, we held it virtually, so we’re happy to have an in-person event this year and make it successful.”

 

Proceeds raised will enable the Juniors to continue the service work for which they are known.

 

“Primarily, the money stays here locally or statewide. We do a few things nationally or internationally. It goes to help whatever needs are brought to our attention.”

 

Those needs can range from paying a child’s way to summer camp to helping a family who has experienced a house fire. A couple years ago, the club was able to raise $70,000 for WVU Medicine Children’s through the “Be the Change” gala.

 

“There’s nothing too big or too small,” Arnold said. “We try to do anything that can make an impact on our community.”