Family-fun race and Activity Village return to support grants in Ashland public schools

The Ashland Monster Dash invites ghosts, ghouls, super heroes, and monsters to run in support of public education. This year’s event will be offered both virtually and in-person, with the main event taking place on Saturday, Oct. 26, in Lithia Park. 

The Monster Dash, presented by Lithia4Kids, the Ashland Kiwanis Club and Ashland Schools Foundation, could raise tens of thousands of dollars for classroom grants in Ashland public schools this year. These grants can be used for classroom projects, materials and supplies, and specialized support. 

Ashland Schools Foundation Executive Director Erica Thompson says she hopes this year’s Monster Dash will give families and community members the opportunity to connect and celebrate the Halloween season in the name of supporting local education.

“We had record signups last year, and loads of families engaging with crafts and games in the Monster Activity Village throughout the day,” Thompson said in a news release. “We’ve also had a record number of grant requests from educators in the Ashland School District over the past few years. Support for this event helps us answer those grant requests.” 

The in-person race event features 1 mile, 5K and 10K distances, and will offer prizes for top finishers. Virtual runners will also have the opportunity to win gift certificates by running anytime Oct. 21 through 31 and uploading their times to the race website. Runners and walkers of all speeds and ages are welcome to enter costume contests for chances to win from this year’s prize pool.

The Monster Activity Village near the start and finish line will host free family-fun crafts, exhibits, live music, entertainment, contests, and auction items from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For more information and to register for the 2024 Ashland Monster Dash, visit ashlandmonsterdash.com.

Source: Ashland Schools Foundation news release. Email Ashland.news at news@ashland.news.