Neighborhood welcomes costumed runners and walkers of all ages to reach fitness goals while supporting local causes

4th Annual Alger Heights Halloween 5K

Grand Rapids, Michigan – October 27, 2012:  In its fourth year, the timed, USTAF-certified Alger Heights Halloween 5K runs through the diverse Alger Heights neighborhood of Grand Rapids and will take place on Saturday, October 27th. The annual event encourages runners and walkers of all ages and abilities to participate. The 5K run/walk begins at Alger Middle School at 9AM, while the Kids’ Fun Run starts at 9:45 AM. 

Seeing the parade of costumed runners and walkers is a highlight for both participants and the spectators that come out to cheer them on to the finish line. Though not required, many choose get into the spirit of the race’s Halloween theme by participating in costume. Traditional race awards are given to runners based on finish times, but the race also provides costume awards in categories such as Best Individual and Group Costumes.

 Several groups are using the race as a fitness goal, including Alger Heights Middle School, the Kroc Center’s fall Couch to 5K Program, and New Hope Baptist Church. This year’s race will also be the culminating event for FitKids360’s On the Move! program, which focuses on helping overweight children lead healthier lives and improve their health by encouraging and training them to finish a 5K over a 13-week period. Free race entries for the On the Move! participants were sponsored by Alger Pediatrics.

In addition to promoting the City of Grand Rapids and the health of its people, the Alger Heights Halloween 5K serves to support charity partners that include the Alger Heights Neighborhood Association, Kids’ Food Basket, and FitKids360.

Last year, the race hosted nearly 900 participants, and it expects to meet, if not exceed, that mark this year as the event becomes more widely known. Registration can be done online, with individual and family rates available, until October 25th. Late registration will be offered during packet pick-up on Friday, October 26th (5-7 PM) and on Saturday, October 27th (7:15-8:45 AM). All registered participants will receive an official race t-shirt, car decal, and packet with advertised specials from our sponsors.

To learn more about the Alger Heights Halloween 5K or to register for the race, please visit www.alger5k.com. Questions? Contact Liz Carter at [email protected] or call 616-929-0190. Photos and interviews available upon request before or after the event.