If you happen to be walking around Kirby Park the week before Halloween, you may see some ghosts, goblins and ghouls running around – literally.

Wilkes’ Geo-Explore Club is hosting a Halloween 5K in Kirby Park at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 21. This rain or shine event encourages students and the community to celebrate the spirit of Halloween while getting their exercise in.

The cost of the race is $10 for Wilkes students and $20 for non-Wilkes students. Those who sign up for the event before Oct. 13 will be guaranteed a t-shirt. After Oct. 13, remaining t-shirts will be given out on a first come, first serve basis the day of the event.   

Race participants are encouraged to dress up in Halloween costumes for the event. All runners and walkers that dress up have the opportunity to win awards for their costumes as they cross the finish line. The costumes will be judged by Wilkes professors. Costume categories include ‘hardest to run in,’ ‘most scary,’ ‘most funny,’ ‘best group costume’ and ‘judge’s choice.’

Some of the Geo-Explore Club members have started planning costumes for the 5K.

“My boyfriend and I are planning on doing a couples costume of either Steve Irwin and a crocodile or Forrest Gump and Jenny,” Emma Sukowaski, a Geo-Explore Club member said.

The president of the Geo-Explore Club, Ellen Mook, is planning on dressing up as a mouse caught in a mouse trap.

The Geo-Explore Club was started back in 2016. Previously, the club was known as the Environmental Outdoor Club before going into retirement. Last year, students resurrected the club and renamed it the Geo-Explore Club.

“The main thing we wanted to bring the club back for was the spring break trip with the professors from the Earth and Environmental department,” Mook said.

All of the money raised at the event is going to help fund the Geo-Explore Club’s trip to Hawaii during spring break 2018. The club wants to camp out and explore Hawaii.  Sukowaski is looking forward to attending the trip.

“Being s geology major, I’m very excited to see all the things I’ve seen in geology textbooks in real life,” Sukowaski said.

While visiting the Big Island, the Geo-Explore Club will visit the black, pink, green and white sand beaches. The group plans on hiking to the top of the highest peak on the island, Mauna Kea. They also will stargaze during the evening hours.

“Because Hawaii is surrounded by oceans, it is one of the best places in the world to see stars,” Mook said.

The group will also be exploring active lava flows, large waterfalls and the rainforest.  The club also plans on flying to the island of Honolulu with one main destination in mind, the Pearl Harbor Memorial site.

If your enjoy exploring the great outdoors, consider joining Geo-Explore Club or participating in their upcoming 5K run.

“I met some of my closest friends and now boyfriend through the club, so it’s definitely a place where people come together,” Sukowaski said.

Those who are interested in signing up for the Halloween 5K or joining Geo-Explore Club can contact Ellen Mook at [email protected].