EVL Halloween Half Marathon & 5K Returns to Ellicottville October 24
EVL Halloween Half Marathon & 5K Returns to Ellicottville October 24
Ellicottville’s annual Halloween-themed race returns October 24 with a Half Marathon, two-person relay and 5K, plus costumes, community support and plenty of post-race fun.
There are running events… and then there’s the EVL Halloween Half Marathon & 5K. And if you’ve ever participated in this one, you know there’s a pretty big difference! On Saturday, October 24, Ellicottville will once again welcome runners, walkers, and spectators for what might just be one of the most entertaining races you’ll ever experience. Forget the serious faces and intimidating competition you might associate with a traditional running race. This one is all about having fun, enjoying the scenery, challenging yourself, and quite possibly, running alongside a superhero, a giant banana, or someone dressed as a hot dog. (And yes, people actually run 13.1 miles dressed like that!)
I’ve participated in the EVL 5K a number of times over the years, and I can tell you firsthand that the energy surrounding this event is on another level. There’s just something about being in that starting corral, surrounded by hundreds of people, that gets your blood pumping before you’ve even taken your first step. The music, the costumes, the chatter, the anticipation of the countdown… it’s exciting, it’s contagious, and it’s an absolute blast!
JOIN THE FUN!
Three race options are offered, making it accessible to runners of different abilities and experience levels. For those ready to tackle the big one, the Half Marathon covers 13.1 miles of scenic countryside roads surrounding Ellicottville. The course takes runners north of the village through rolling elevation, offering beautiful autumn views and a little extra motivation to keep those legs moving.
Not quite ready for 13.1 miles on your own? The Half Marathon Relay gives two-person teams the opportunity to split the distance, with each participant completing approximately 6.55 miles. It’s a great option for friends or family members who want to take on a bigger challenge together without committing to the full distance individually.
Then there’s the 5K. At 3.1 miles, it’s a manageable distance for beginners, casual runners, and those who simply want to get outside and be part of the excitement. But don’t let the shorter distance fool you. There are some serious competitors in this race, too, making a 6-minute mile look like a walk in the park.
Of course, what really sets the EVL Half apart is its Halloween theme. Every year, participants get creative with their race-day attire, turning the streets of Ellicottville into something resembling a moving Halloween parade. Think a group of runners dressed as the cast of The Wizard of Oz, or someone tackling 13.1 miles as a giant slice of pizza. And some outfits will leave you wondering how on earth someone plans to run several miles wearing them.
Costumes aren’t required, but they’re certainly encouraged. In fact, organizers host a costume contest with awards for Best Group, Best Individual, Funniest, Scariest, Most Girly, Best Kid, and Best in Show. For spectators, this adds a whole other level of entertainment. Even if you’re not running, grabbing a spot along the course to cheer everyone on is worth the trip downtown. Half the fun is seeing what comes running around the corner!
CROSSING THE FINISH LINE
Both the Half Marathon and 5K begin and end on Monroe Street in front of The City Garage, putting participants right in the heart of the village. And that’s exactly what race organizers Gwen and Doug Bush envisioned when they first launched the event 13 years ago. “When we first started the EVL Halloween Half, we wanted to create an event that would introduce a new group of people to this beautiful community that we love so much,” said Gwen. “We have always loved running through Ellicottville and the surrounding area, and we wanted to share that experience with others.”
That vision has certainly taken shape over the years, with the event bringing runners, their families, and friends into the village each October. Once you’ve crossed that finish line, caught your breath, and collected your medal, you’ve got an entire downtown waiting to welcome you.
The official post-race celebration takes place at Ellicottville Brewing Company, featuring live music, recovery food, and a complimentary first beer (21+) for race registrants. Every finisher also receives a custom medal and race t-shirt. And if you’re not quite ready to call it a day after the party, Ellicottville’s restaurants, shops, and other downtown businesses offer plenty of reasons to stick around. It’s a great excuse to turn race day into a full afternoon of enjoying the village.
Gwen also credits the community for helping make the event a success year after year. “We are incredibly grateful to all the local businesses, volunteers, and community members who have supported the EVL Half,” she said. “It really does take a community to make an event like this happen, and we are so fortunate to have such a wonderful one.”
Beyond the costumes and celebration, the EVL Half also supports some worthwhile local causes. The event benefits the Ellicottville Sport Boosters, an organization that helps support athletic opportunities for local youth, as well as the Nazareth Food Pantry at the United Church of Ellicottville. It’s another reason to feel good about participating.
Registration is open for all three events. Participants are encouraged to sign up early to secure their spot, as there have been years when the races have sold out. For those considering signing up but feeling a little hesitant, here’s my advice: DO IT! You don’t need to be a marathon runner. You don’t need fancy running gear. You don’t even need a costume (although that certainly makes things more interesting). Just bring a good attitude, a comfortable pair of shoes, and maybe a friend or two. For complete race details, registration, course information, and event updates, visit www.evlhalf.com.
