Pat O'Loughlin, who has been organizing the Monster Mash 5K Walk/Run in Warroad every October since 2012, once ran the 5k in a gorilla costume.

"It did get a little hot and sweaty by the end of the run," laughed Pat. "This will be the first year Monster Mash will take place at night with glow sticks. We are hoping to attract families and large groups for a really good turnout. The registration fee will be discounted for groups of 3 or more. Each entry will receive a goody bag filled by local area businesses as well as their glow stick."

The Monster Mash will begin at Lake of the Woods Brewery at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, October 26th, where it will be possible to register for the event at 5:30 p.m. until the event begins. Pre-register at http://www.warroadportal.com.

"We will run down Main Street as far as the water tower and then head to the bike path," explained Pat. "We've had as many as 80 plus take part in Monster Mash 5k and as few as 30, it often depends on the weather. So far this Saturday is looking good with no rain and temps in the middle 50s."

Age groups in the event include 0-9 years old, 10-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and 60 plus, in both female and male categories. Prizes will be awarded for the top three finish times in each group, as well as to best costume in the kids division and the adults division. LOW Brewery, which will also be the finish destination for the Monster Mash 5k Walk/Run, will award a growler of craft beer for the best time in both the female and male division.

"The last two years I've had a committee helping plan the Monster Mash 5k Walk/Run; Christina Steele, Tad Palmquist, Chuck Lindner, Patty Hodgson and Michelle O'Loughlin are assisting with the event," reports Pat O'Loughlin. " We've had a lot of support from local businesses to fill the goody bags as well as a cash donation from Security State Bank.

I've been running for about eight years now, and the best way to do a 5k is get out there and do them. They are fun and rewarding."