‘Monster Dash’ 5K coming to Longwood for Halloween. Here’s what to expect

LONGWOOD, Fla. – The seventh annual “Monster Dash” 5K is coming to Longwood this month — just in time for the spooky season.

The Halloween-themed run is set to kick off on Saturday, Oct. 26, at the Historic Civic Center, with the first wave starting at 8 a.m.

The run is aimed at helping the Longwood Historic Society, with this year’s mission being to raise funds to replace the upper roof of the historic Bradlee-McIntyre House.

The 140-year-old building was originally built in Altamonte Springs, though it was moved to Longwood by the Historic Society in 1969 after the city threatened to tear it down.

Despite the building undergoing several renovations since its big move, though, its upper roof has suffered a lot of damage, meaning it poses major risks of damaging the interior if not replaced.

“About 40% of our revenue for the year comes from (the Monster Dash),” Longwood Historic Society President Jason Byrne told News 6. “So it quite literally determines our success or failure for the year and what we’re able to do.”

[READ: This ‘haunted’ Florida house is full of secrets. But it’s running out of time]

But helping maintain an old building isn’t the only perk of running in the Monster Dash.

According to Byrne, each runner will get the following goodies during the run:

• Chip-timed race by Elite Timing with live results

• Tech shirt with mascot logo

• Pre-race fueling station with snacks and fruit

• Water at the start, finish and halfway points

• Post-race “sweet treat”

• Prizes for best costumes (with multiple categories)

• Prizes for the top three male and female overall finishers

• Trophy for the top corporate team

• Physical packet with bib and coupons to local businesses

• Custom bib number with the Monster Dash logo

• Magazine-like digital race program

• Photos posted after the race

• DJ playing holiday-themed music

And new to this year’s Monster Dash, each runner who finishes will also receive a medal to commemorate the event.

Byrne explained that the Historic Society hopes to have between 400 and 500 people participate this year.

“Last year, we were probably just shy of 400, so we’re hoping to continue to grow and get in the that range,” he said. “People come out in costumes, but we have a lot of families come out. We really encourage the whole family — and sometimes in themed costumes.”

The Monster Dash course will span a few different neighborhoods, with participants starting and ending at the Longwood Historic Civic Center (135 W. Church Ave.).

Registration for the Monster Dash costs $35 through Oct. 22, and $40 thereafter until Oct. 26.

For more information about the Monster Dash or to sign up, click here.

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