MUSCATINE, Iowa–With Halloween creeping closer, Muscatine’s littlest goblins and ghouls have already started getting excited. To give them a chance to celebrate early, and to support Trinity Muscatine Public Health’s early childhood programs, Rock Valley Physical Therapy will hold their second ever Monster Mile fun run Oct. 15 outside their office at 2109 Cedarwood Drive in Muscatine.
In 2021, Rock Valley wanted to pick up on fundraising efforts for the Ronald McDonald House that all of their offices had planned to do in 2020. In Muscatine, organizers came up with the idea to hold a fun run in the fall, creating a run suitable for all ages that would not compete with any of the city’s other well-established races. This brainstorming led to the first Monster Mile, which proved so popular that Rock Valley decided to bring it back as an annual event supporting local organizations.
More than just a fun run, the Monster Mile will have several events for participants about two years old and up. “It’s open to everyone, and we encourage parents to come and wear a costume and run,” said organizer Ashley Frush, PTA.
Along with the signature Monster Mile run, which runners may wear costumes for, attendees can also test their skills in the Monster Maze obstacle course, team up for the Zombie Dash relays, take on the challenge of the Haunted Hill uphill sprint, take photos with an alpaca, and maybe event get to check out some fun carnival style games trick-or-treating with several of the event’s sponsors. A food truck may even visit with tasty lunch items as well. Sponsors currently include Hy-Vee, Pearl City Chiropractic, Phelps, Team Staffing, the Theo Wolf Foundation, and UnityPoint Health.
This year’s Monster Mile will start at 10 a.m., and attendees may stay for as many of the activities as they would care to. Registration costs $15 for everyone age two and up. People may register in advance online or pay at the event itself. People will receive a Monster Mile t-shirt with registration, while supplies last.
All proceeds will go to Trinity Muscatine Public Health’s early childhood programing, which works along with the First Five program to make sure that young children meet the physical and developmental milestones they need to thrive throughout their lives. Because Rock Valley Physical Therapy works with the hospital to provide a variety of types of therapy and because they work with pediatric patients, they felt it represented the perfect cause for them to support.
A newcomer to the Muscatine event scene, Frush would like to see many families come out to this year’s event and to connect with new sponsors who can keep helping it expand and positively impact more good causes in the future. “We want to see this continue to grow and get more sponsors,” Frush said. “I think what sets this event apart from others is it’s family friendly, focused on fun, and ties in with the season.”
