Monster Mash 5K Bash

By Cassie Johnson

Calling all ghouls, ghosts, and mysterious creatures great and small - it’s time for the annual Monster Mash 5K Bash Fun Run and 1K Walk at The Carson Center. Get your monsters big and small ready for two days of spooktacular fun!

Costume Contest

On Saturday, October 22nd, registration begins at 8am. Costumes are encouraged but not required. Come dressed in your Halloween best to participate in the costume contest at 9am. Prizes will be awarded to the best dressed in the following categories: children under 10, children ages 11-17, adults 18 and up, and the best duo/ group costume.

“Get creative! The costumes are one of the best parts and we love to see what ideas and clever costumes are brought to life,” said Joshua Morehead, Director of Development at The Carson Center.

Each fun run or walk registered participant receives a complimentary ticket to Yappy Hour on Friday, October 21 at 5:30pm. Bring your furry friends for some hair-raising fun with live music from Bourbon Revival Band. Race packets can be picked up during Yappy Hour rather than waiting until the next morning.

First Time Flat Race Course

The race starts at 9:30am for runners and 9:40am for walkers and 1K participants. For the first time ever, this is a flat race course

through downtown Paducah and perfect for both seasoned runners and beginners. Also, new this year, the race will be a professionally timed event. Chip Bib timing is available for all participants provided by To the Finish Timing. Each runner’s bib will record the exact time they start and finish the race. The Chip Bib is a souvenir that each runner can keep.

“Every participant will receive a Monster Mash t-shirt and sports fanny pack. This is a great place to keep your phone and car keys while you are running or walking in the race,” Morehead advises.

First-place trophies will be awarded to the top finishers in each category. Awards this year include 5K overall male and female finishers in ages 1-10, 11-17, 18-29, 30-39, 40-49, and 50-99.

After the race, all participants will be treated to Halloween treats such as franks and steins. One hotdog and one beverage are included with each registered racer. Additional drinks and snacks may be purchased.

Support Arts-Education Programming

Proceeds from the event support arts-education programming for children, youth, schools, and families throughout the Four Rivers region at the Carson Center.

“Even when the seats are filled, your support is necessary,” explained Morehead. “As a 501(c)(3) performing arts center, The Carson Center obtains necessary annual funding from sponsors and contributors. Additionally, event sponsorships, donations, and ticket purchases allow us to feature the nation's finest theatre companies and live performing arts.”

Bring a Team!

Participants can sign up as an individual or in a team. Team pricing is available, and teams of eight or more receive a 20 percent discount which will be applied at checkout. The race will begin and end at The Carson Center located at 100 Kentucky Avenue in Paducah. For a complete schedule of events and registration pricing, visit runsignup.com/Race/KY/Paducah/MonsterMash5KBash. 