Spooky Sprint 5K returns to raise money for United Way campaign

In-person race set for Oct. 24 at Hazel Ruby McQuain Park, virtual option available

MORGANTOWN – Grab your running shoes, and get signed up for the Spooky Sprint 5K Run/Walk. While last year’s sprint was a virtual 5K, this one will be in person on Sunday, Oct. 24, at Hazel Ruby McQuain Park. There will also be a virtual option that week for those who can’t attend or prefer not to participate.

Registration is now open for the Spooky Sprint 5K Run/Walk, which is sponsored by WVU Medicine and raises money for the United Way of Monongalia and Preston Counties’ 2022 Campaign.

This will be the second year for the Spooky Sprint, and it was popular last year, even during a pandemic. Organizers are hoping to make it bigger and better than ever this fall. The United Way’s affinity group, Emerging Leaders, is organizing the run/walk.

Participants must register for the run/walk by Oct. 11 at https://www.unitedwaympc.org/spookysprint. Registration is $50, and participants will receive a race T-shirt featuring a running mummy, a race bib with their personal number, and a Spooky Sprint metal celebrating their participation, as well as entrance to the race on Oct. 24. The race itself will be a down and back on the rail-trail. Those who participate virtually will receive their race participation packet in the mail.

“We were so pleased with the virtual event last year and how many people participated,” said Servando Arredondo, engagement manager for the local United Way. “Spooky Sprint was so successful that we knew it was an event we wanted to have again. And we are very excited to be able to offer the in-person race this year, as well as the virtual! The race is a great way to encourage people to get moving and be healthy, celebrate the new season, and raise money for a good cause.”

All racers, both in-person and virtual, are encouraged to post pictures from their run/walk, using the hashtag #ELSpookySprint to the United Way of Mon and Preston Counties social media pages on Facebook, Twitter and/or Instagram (@unitedwaympc). This is a requirement for virtual racers to be considered for a prize.

Proceeds from the race go toward the 2022 United Way Campaign. Money raised during the annual United Way campaign stays in Monongalia and Preston counties, providing support to 39 programs at 26 agencies.

To learn more about the race, visit https://www.unitedwaympc.org/spookysprint.