Rain doesn’t dampen enthusiasm at New London’s Monster Mash 5K

NEW LONDON - A light rain didn't dampen the Halloween spirit of about 20 people who ran, jogged and walked through the town of New London Saturday, Oct. 19, as part of the Monster Mash 5K.

The seventh annual event was a fundraiser for the Holiday Stroll, New London's main winter event which takes place Saturday, Dec. 14 this year. Participants in the Monster Mash race are encouraged to dress in their Halloween costumes, and a panel of judges selects the best costumes before the race.

The runners and their costumes came away a bit damp, as a light rain fell on the area during the entire race. Crossing the line first was New London sophomore Joshua Catala, who ran the 5 kilometer race in 18:32. Catala said the rain was refreshing for the most part, albeit a little chilly.

Catala said he's not on the cross-country team but he is thinking about going out for track in the spring and baseball in the summer. He said he likes to run a lot, both in the mornings and after school.

A couple of other New London High School students participated as well, among them freshman Rylan Martin and sophomore Kooper Schulte. They both said that running in the rain was no fun. Martin is on New London's cross-country team. He said he runs 5Ks all the time, but not usually through the town of New London, and more often in Danville. He said running on golf courses is easier on his feet than running on concrete.

Both Martin and Schulte said they weren't going 'all out” to finish the race with a good time.

'I was just chilling, going easy,” Schulte said.

A few more of the runners included New London sixth-graders Megan Lee, Alexa Lair and Katelyn Allen, and Mt. Pleasant sixth-grader Myah Starr. Starr and Allen dressed in matching Hawaiian-themed outfits, while Lee and Lair dressed in matching tutus. Allen won the contest for 'funniest costume.”

Allen's brother, New London eighth-grader Adam Allen, dressed in a dragon/dinosaur costume. Their father, Eric Allen, wore a mullet wig. Adam said it was his first Monster Mash race, while Eric, an avid runner, said it was his third. Adam said he's not in cross-country but does plan to play basketball this winter. Adam won the contest for 'scariest costume.”

A number of young tots got into the spirit of the day, too. Three-year-old Leo Garvey dressed as a cowboy. Five-year-old Tyler Brown dressed as a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle, and 5-year-old Lincoln Garvey won the award for best overall costume with his police officer's uniform. The Garveys' mother, Erin Garvey, rounded up outfits for the three kids. Tyler's mother, Julie Brown, said Erin was a lifesaver and that she is her 'best friend for life.”

The two moms said that they would let their kids walk the 5K as long as they could, but trail them with strollers in case the little ones got tired. Julie and Erin said they were participating because they wanted to support the Holiday Stroll, and the town of New London. Both of them are fourth generation New Londoners.

Linda Vacek is head of the New London Holiday Stroll, and organized Saturday's Monster Mash 5K. She said the Monster Mash and the Breakfast in the Park are the two main events that raise money for the Holiday Stroll.

The Stroll is in its 29th year, and will include dozens of activities in participating businesses in downtown New London. Some of the highlights that residents can look forward to on Dec. 14 are Santa and Mrs. Claus in the Santa House, horse drawn carriage rides, the New London Holiday Stroll committee serving walking tacos, cookie decorating, a cake walk, a caricature artist, a petting zoo, balloon animals, a craft and vendor show, and much more.

Vacek said that last year's Stroll included a short parade where participants walked through the downtown. She said she loves the festival, but it's always a struggle to find enough volunteers.