Medical students organize Halloween charity 5K to benefit Reach Out

Medical students from the Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine have organized the inaugural Reach Out of the Grave 5K fundraiser to benefit Reach Out of Montgomery County, a free clinic that provides health care access to the uninsured and underinsured population of Dayton and surrounding areas.

The Halloween charity 5K will be Saturday, Oct. 27, at 8 a.m. starting at White Hall on the campus of Wright State University.

The proceeds from the 5K event will enable Reach Out to expand its physical therapy department to better serve patients who suffer from mobility constraints and mobility-related injuries.

The goal for runners is simple — survive. Those who wish to attempt to elude the “zombies” will receive a three-flag belt to be worn throughout the race. Volunteer “zombies” will run along the length of the course and will “infect” race participants by stealing flags before runners reach the finish line. Survivors who make it to the finish line with one or more flags left can trade them in for free raffle tickets that can be used to win items in the after-party raffle. Those who lose all three of their flags will finish the race as an “infected human.”

“While there is some level of competition to this, we anticipate a fun event where everyone walks out with a smile and some great prizes,” said Courtney McCall, one of the event organizers. “The race will conclude with an after-party at White Hall where race participants and members of the community can unwind, have fun and partake in the charitable raffle.”

In addition, there will be a trick-or-treat area set up for children, who can wear their Halloween costumes. Food and drinks donated from local restaurants and businesses will be available for event participants and volunteers, subject to availability.

To register for the 5K, go to squareup.com/store/reachoutofthegrave5k. The cost is $35. The first 100 registrants will receive a $10 discount.

To volunteer, contact Kaitlyn Danner at danner.16@wright.edu. For information about partnerships or donations, contact Courtney McCall at mccall.36@wright.edu. For any other questions, email rootg5k@gmail.com.