Cast Of Costumes 5K Run/Walk

Planning for the sixth annual 5K run/walk in Pineville is already underway. This year's race is titled the Cast of Costumes 5K Run/Walk

Folks are already beginning to work on awesome raffle items including a men's bike (Schwinn Prelude road bike, retail $269.99, donated by Pacific Cycle), a girls bike (24-inch Schwinn Huntington Cruiser, retail $129.97, donated by Pacific Cycle) and a suite at a sporting event (Arkansas Naturals game, retail $1,500, donated by Nickelodeon).

Last year was the first year that the race partnered with Bright Futures McDonald County and the race team feels that there is a clear benefit by doing this. Involving the area schools and parents tells the community that organizers and participants care about the generations to come. The two organizations have become even stronger together and the race team is gearing up for a successful event in October. The team appreciates the ongoing support of the community and surrounding communities.

The race will be held at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Oct.3 in Pineville. Don't forget to wear a costume, plus it's more fun to workout if you're dressed up.

According to race organizers, the mission of the race is to continue to promote health and wellness in the community and continue to raise awareness on the importance of local trail systems.

This annual event supports the community, schools, promotes the city and the importance of health and wellness. Connecting local trails with Arkansas trails at the state-line is a real reality, creating even more trails to enjoy hiking, biking and walking in the great outdoors. Or perhaps the popular "Razorback Greenway" stretching from Fayetteville to Bella Vista is coming to us -- either way, the need to understand and further educate everyone on what a trail system can do for the local community and what it would mean for the town.

There are clear benefits of having trails including making the community more livable, improving the economy through tourism and civic improvement, preserving and restoring open space, not to mention the physical and mental health benefits.

Race registration is open online at www.active.com or hard copy/paper form registration will be available at both Pineville Elementary or Pineville City Hall. Cost of entry is $25 and free for kiddos 10 and under. The $25 includes a T-shirt and goodie bag. Kids 10 and under are encouraged to participate and the cost is free. They will be provided with a race bib.

Raffle tickets will go on-sale mid-March. The raffle winners will be drawn on race day. For general information about the course, the raffle or the event, contact Tami Kester at Pineville Elementary School at 417-223-4346, Dr. Deb Pearson at Noel Primary School at 417-475-3900 or Pineville City Hall at 417-223-4368.