Springfield Ghost Run to benefit literacy goes virtual

In previous years, the Warder Literacy Center has held 5K runs/walks at Snyder Park to benefit their literacy programs.

Credit: Bill Lackey

Credit: Bill Lackey

In previous years, the Warder Literacy Center has held 5K runs/walks at Snyder Park to benefit their literacy programs.

The Warder Literacy Center’s annual Ghost Run will continue this year virtually due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“We’ve been doing the Ghost Run I think this is our 5th year in a row and with COVID-19 we were going to cancel it," Chelsea Huber, Warder Literacy Center’s student coordinator said. "We wanted to continue on with it because it is a tradition now and we do have people that really do look forward to doing this.”

This year the race will be a DIY “do it yourself” Ghost Run.

Individuals can run/walk the 5K on any trail between Saturday, Oct. 24 and Saturday, Oct. 31, Huber said. Registration for the 5K run/walk is $15 and ends Oct. 31.

“This is going to be an honors system, so they (participants) aren’t going to get a chip to tie to their shoe. They are going to time themselves and send in their time," Huber said.

The Warder Literacy Center has suggested routes for individuals to run/walk and has provided maps for participants. Suggested routes include George Roger’s Clark Park, Old Reid Park, Heritage Trail, Eagle City Soccer Field or any local school track.

Huber said that in previous years the Ghost Run was held at Snyder Park and registration was $25. This year, organizers decided to adjust the price because it is virtual, she said.

Proceeds from the run will go towards three service programs at the Warder Literacy Center. Huber explained that the programs help school-aged children that are at least two years behind in reading and writing, adults that are struggling with reading, writing and even math and foreign learners.

“As a nonprofit we really need those funds to help us keep our programs going at an affordable rate for our students," Huber said.

Even though the run is virtual, participants will receive medals if they submit their times. Participants will also have a chance to win awards based on the costume that they run in. Huber said participants should post a picture of their costume in the DIY Ghost Run’s Facebook page the day they decide to run.

For more information about the run or to register visit www.runsignup.com or call 937-323-8617.

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