The Ghosts and Goblins 5K/2K run has a new format and new name amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Given the parameters, we were not able to conduct the 5K/2K race safely, and that was from the city as well,” Carmel Education Foundation Executive Director Jennifer Penix said. “The new format has a couple different objectives. The first is to create a fun activity that the schools and Carmel community look forward to at the end of the October, a time when people are looking for something fun to do. People can register individually or as a group. We want them to get out and go, go out and do an activity they enjoy.”
Thus, the event will be called Ghosts and Goblins GO!. It is scheduled for Oct. 23 to Nov. 8.
“It can be a fitness activity or a mind activity,” Penix said. “You can go ride a bike, go run, go hike, go swimming, go play a game, whatever it is.”
Penix said CEF wants the event to be a recognition of what they are calling Carmel Clay Schools super heroes, such as teachers, counselors, specialists, support staff, custodians, nurses, food service teams, bus drivers, tech gurus, school resource officers and administrators.
“Every teacher and staff have been working to create a safe and positive learning environment for our students,” Penix said. “Typically, when someone registers they would get a (race) bib, but what they will get now is a bib where they can write or draw a picture of whoever they want to recognize as their favorite Carmel Clay Schools super hero.
“When they are doing their activity, they will hold up their bib, take a picture and post it on social media and send it to us.”
Penix said organizers want to include the traditional costumes that are part of the usual Ghosts and Goblins event, so there will be different theme days. The entry fee is $10 for individuals and $40 for a family or group of up to six people. Special pricing is available for sports teams and community groups. Participants will receive access to special #GGGO events and participation rewards. Commemorative shirts will be available for purchase.
CEF is seeking community sponsors to be part of a scavenger hunt throughout Carmel. Penix said CEF will supply clues to direct people to find who the sponsors are. Visit ccs.k12.in.us/foundation/ghosts-Goblins to learn about sponsor packages.
Entry fees and donations go toward CEF grants and scholarships. For more, visit ghostsandgoblinsgo.com.