By Berit Bjorklund Turner
Every October Grant Park residents report an increased number of ghosts and other strangely dressed beasties of the night running throughout and around the park. Organizers of The Monster Dash Family 5K & Little Goblins Run hope to calm neighbors by laying claim to some of the crazy creatures you will see this year; particularly those that will be running, skipping, walking, jogging, strolling, and even — in some cases — being drug during the early morning hours on Saturday, October 27, when this monstrous 5K returns to Grant Park.
The Monster Dash, in its fourth year, has quickly become one of the neighborhood’s most fun and healthy family events. With an event for every age group, participants are encouraged to bring the whole family; and yes, costumes are definitely appropriate. This year’s activities include a family 5K, a 1-mile fun run for runners of all ages, and a Little Goblins Run for children five years old and younger. While there will not be any goblins or vamps hiding behind trees (we think), there are some surprises in store. For example, this year’s race features a new 5K course, as well as a 1-mile event, with the start and finish line positioned near the Grant Park parking lot at Boulevard and Confederate.
Day-of-registration begins bright and early at 7:30am, or pre-register online at www.GPCP.org/MonsterDash or www.Active.com by Wednesday, October 24. This year’s 5K run/walk and 1 miler have an 8:30am start time followed by the Little Goblins Run beginning at approximately 9:30am. Pre-registered fees are $25 for the 5K and $20 for the 1 Mile, whereas event day registration will be $30 (5K) and $25 (1M). Running groups of 10 or more can contact Leigh Schrope at MonsterDash2012@gmail.com for information on group registration and discounts. This year, a special $5 discount is being offered to college students; please see website www.GPCP.org/MonsterDash for details. As usual, the Little Goblins Run is free.
Each year, participants are eager to obtain the newly designed, official, long-sleeved, Monster Dash T-shirt. This year’s glow in the dark shirt, designed by Ormewood Park resident and Grant Park Cooperative Preschool (GPCP) dad Franklin Bachrach, will prove to be a special treat. Families are encouraged to join in the fun together, so a parent and a child under 10 can register under one fee, but will receive only one T-shirt and one gift bag. Additional T-shirts can be ordered online at www.GPCP.org/MonsterDash for just $15 and must be picked up on race day at the registration table.
“The Monster Dash has become not only a really great fundraiser for The Grant Park Cooperative Preschool, but a fun-filled time for our community to get together,” said Gabriela Garcia, director of the nonprofit Grant Park Cooperative Preschool. “We feel really lucky to share this great neighborhood with runners who come from all over Atlanta to the Dash each year. It gives me so much joy seeing the children and their parents in costumes enjoying a healthy and fun event at the same time they are supporting our school.”
Awards, provided by Grant Park’s Metal Morphosis, will be given to best overall finisher male/female and top male/female finishers in 13 different age groups, as well as for best male/female in stroller and double stroller divisions, and best male/female costume. All Little Goblins will receive a special medal.
In addition to the original long-sleeved t-shirt, participants will receive a runner’s gift bag worth over $50! The bag includes all kinds of treats from race sponsors such as a ticket for one free admission to Zoo Atlanta and gift certificates to great area restaurants including Six Feet Under, Tin Lizzy’s, Max’s Pizza, Doc Chey’s, Agave, Octane, and The Shed. The bag will also be stuffed with some surprise goodies from other sponsors, such as Holcomb Insurance Services and Big Peach Running Company.
“I am proud to support the Grant Park Cooperative Preschool and it’s Monster Dash,” said Matt Holcomb, President of Holcomb Insurance Services. “My wife and I love bringing up our young son in this great neighborhood, where he can truly be part of a community. As a parent, I love seeing all of our kids learn, grow and have fun at this community event. As an insurance agent, I understand the value of keeping families healthy by exercising together. Thank you for the opportunity to give back.”
Special thanks to all of The Monster Dash sponsors: Six Feet Under, Intown Pediatrics, Tin Lizzy’s, Der Biergarten, Max’s Coal Oven Pizzeria, Zoo Atlanta, Holcomb Insurance Services, Agave, Doc Chey’s, The Shed, Red Robin Group, Octane, Metal Morphosis, and Big Peach Running Company.
All proceeds from The Monster Dash Family 5K & Little Goblins Run benefit the Grant Park Cooperative Preschool located at 501 Grant Street, Atlanta, GA 30312. GPCP is a nonprofit 501(c)3 serving campuses in Grant Park and Cabbagetown.
Please send questions to MonsterDash2012@gmail.com or call GPCP at 404-521-0440.
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