Runners prevent child abuse at Halloween Hustle
Fundraiser for Family Service Association brings crowd to Sun King
This article is brought to you by Bob Stephenson for City Council District 2. Bob says, “If elected, I want to make our neighborhoods stronger and safer. We can do this by addressing blighted properties, sidewalks, streetlights, and cleaner streets and alleys.
“Local government decisions impact our daily lives. Let's vote for the person, not just the party, who'll work for our community's better future.”
Your vote matters - make a plan to vote for Bob Stephenson on Nov. 7!
Fifty brave runners faced what started out as a cloudy fall day, and ended with a steady sprinkling of rain on Oct. 14 at The Halloween Hustle, a 5k race sponsored by the Family Service Association of Howard County (FSA) and Sun King Brewery on Buckeye Street in Kokomo.
Despite the light rain and a missed turn by several runners, the race went off without a hitch. Runners of all ages joined in the festivities, the proceeds from which went entirely to the FSA for its Prevent Child Abuse program.
"This is our first year," said Hustle coordinators Paula McDorman, who had the initial idea for the event. "We will be back next year."
McDorman and race co-coordinator Andrew Cook worked together on the race with the idea of giving the proceeds to the FSA for the various children's programs that help those who have had to face abuse.
The 5k race path started at the trail next to Sun King Brewery, crossed Jefferson Street, turned west on to the trail next to Madison Street, then ran all the way to the dog park at Carter Street and back. Because of the initial confusion, some runners ran north to the Kokomo Parks and Recreation Splash Pad at Main and Elm streets, but then turned around in time to get back on the path, with several of the misdirected runners still coming in at the head of the pack.
"We might have actually run four miles," said one runner. But all had a great time. After the race, the adult contestants were treated to a free souvenir glass and beer at Sun King, and the underage runners received medals for their accomplishment.
See these and additional photos from the Halloween Hustle 5k at www.kokomolantern.com or on the Lantern’s Facebook page or group.