The 15th Annual Monster Dash Run for Education will be both virtual and in-person again this year!

What does that mean?

Racers in 2023 have the choice of signing up for the in-person event in Lithia Park on Saturday, October 28th OR a virtual event to run anytime, anywhere through October 31st.

Looking for the in-person race instructions? Click here.

For our virtual racers, it’s up to you to plan a frighteningly fun event! You’ll still register and run your distance, but you’ll choose the route, your starting time, and your festivities before, during, and after the race. Don’t worry, we’ve got lots of ideas!

Step 1: Register

Registration for the 1-mile, 5K, or 10K distances is open for Virtual runners through 11:59pm on Oct 31.

Don’t plan on running? That’s okay, too! You can walk, sprint, or creepy-crawl your distance. In fact you don’t even have to run…you can just sign up for one of the run events in order to join us for the virtual Costume Contest! Please note that prizes will not be given for fastest race times to our virtual racers, but you can submit your race time to be eligible for prize drawings!

Step 2: Start training

Keep an eye on our Facebook page and Instagram page for fitness tips and challenges all October long. Treehouse Books is getting in on the fun, too, with fun Halloween activities throughout the month. Make it a family and friends affair if you wish, and start planning with people in your “bubble!”

Step 3: Pick up your packet 

All virtual registrants will receive a bib, a crepe paper finish line, a finisher’s medal and fun giveaways. Youth registrants will also receive a Monster Dash Fun Packet. Stay tuned for more information about packet pick up, and keep an eye on your email for updates!

Step 4: Run your distance

Run or walk your 1-mile, 5k or 10k distance anytime between October 21st-31st.  Choose your route, track your time, and have fun — it’s all up to you! You are welcome to run one of the Monster Dash courses through Lithia Park, except on race day morning when the area will be limited to in-person runners. Please remember that, as a virtual runner, no roads will be blocked off from traffic and no flaggers will be monitoring intersections. It’s up to you to stay safe on the road!

See suggested 1-mile and 5K virtual race routes HERE. 

Step 5: Upload your time

Track your race time and upload it to the registration website starting on October 21st. If you forgot to record your time, you have the option click a button that states you finished the race, but did not time your run.

Step 6: Enter this year’s contests

Enter our costume and video contests! Visit our Contests page for more information about how this year’s contests will work. We’ve got lots prizes lined up for you…don’t miss out!

Step 7: Celebrate!

We hope you seize the opportunity to make the 2023 Virtual Monster Dash a memorable family, friend, or neighborhood affair. Follow our Facebook page for celebration ideas all October-long (training tips, activities and more).

For t-shirt information click HERE.

For contest awards and prizes click HERE.

For ideas on creating your own mini-gathering, click HERE.