The Jaguar Treble Trot is back for a second year at Seckman High School, and this time costumes are encouraged since the 5K and 1-mile races will be held on Halloween.
Event proceeds benefit the 100 students participating in the Seckman High choral program. Amanda Foust, a Seckman parent and organizer for the 5K, said she hopes even more people come out to this year’s event than last year.
“We had 110 runners come out (last year), and I personally want to see that number double every year,” she said.
Both the 5K and the 1-mile race will kick off at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31. In the spirit of the holiday, Foust said Halloween costumes are encouraged but not required.
Runners and walkers in the 5K will take one lap around the high school’s track before making their way to Seckman Road, where they’ll take the road’s wide shoulder to the Valley Oak subdivision. They’ll turn around at the subdivision’s entrance and make their way back to the high school for a downhill finish. Foust said students will operate a water station at the subdivision and Halloween-themed music will be playing throughout the route.
Participants in the 1-mile fun run and walk will stick to the high school track, Foust said.
“We are encouraging that (wearing a costume), because it is Halloween; how could we not?” she said. “There’s no pressure (to wear a costume) because if they’re wanting to get in first place, they may not want all this extra flair. But we are having a couple of small prizes or trophies for funniest or favorite costumes. We’ll have a few different costume contests, with the students voting for their favorite.”
The top three runners in the age categories 18 and under, 19-29, 30-49, and 49 and older will receive medals, Foust said.
Entry for the races is $30 for adults, $25 each for couples, $25 for students; and $20 for families of three or more. The fee includes a post-race snack and commemorative T-shirt.
To ensure a T-shirt in their size, Foust said participants should register by Friday, Oct. 23. Participants are welcome to register up until the morning of the race, but their T-shirt may not be guaranteed, she said.
In addition to the runs, students will have children’s activities such as temporary tattoos and pumpkin bowling at the high school.
Star Cafe, which is located on Seckman Road near the intersection with Old Lemay Ferry, will sell breakfast sandwiches, coffee and energy drinks at the event. A portion of the cafe’s sales will benefit the choir program, Foust said.
Students in the varsity choir take a trip once a year to perform and compete against other schools. Foust said most of the money raised by the Treble Trot will be used to help students who otherwise couldn’t afford to go on these trips.
“My daughter was on (the trip) last year. We went to Gatlinburg, and it cost $700 a person, so it’s a lot of the students to raise,” Foust said. “You know, some kids have no problem with that, but there are plenty who are really struggling and can’t make the monthly payments to do it.”
Foust said singing in the choir and performing in public builds students’ confidence.
“In this area, I think a lot of focus is on sports and athletics, which is great because I was an athlete and I loved it, but there is maybe not as much appreciation for the arts and theater,” Foust said. “(Choir) is a great program, and I just want to see it grow. My daughter has definitely gotten a deeper appreciation for music and learning, and all that is entailed with it.”
For more information and to register, visit the Jaguar Treble Trot – Seckman 5K Facebook event page or email Foust at mandarie83@gmail.com.