Cookeville’s Haunted Half Marathon has been scheduled for Oct. 19 at 8 a.m.
The Haunted Half begins on North Dixie in front of Tech’s RUC and winds down Maple Avenue and into Algood before crossing the finish line at Memorial Gym.
“The Haunted Half continues to be the only half marathon in the area,” said Tracy Epps, Race Co-Director. “It started five years ago with Summer Brown and Mike Huddleston. Huddleston was a local optometrist who was very involved with the community and Tech athletics, which is how Tech got involved in the first place.”
Huddleston passed away last year from pancreatic cancer, but remains a vital part of the race.
“The race is really in his honor. He was such a big part of the Haunted Half, and I wanted to make sure his legacy was never forgotten,” said Epps.
Tech contributes more than half of the 150-200 necessary volunteers to staff the Haunted Half. ROTC members mark the course and Greek Life members act as race representatives.
Tech is also responsible for lending the help of the EMS program. EMT students will be on site offering first aid to those in need.
“Our goal is to create the feeling of a safe, secure fun event that challenges, but doesn’t consume your life with training. We want every person to have a great experience regardless of running ability,” said Epps.
The race course will be open for three and a half hours in order to allow all runners or walkers time to finish the race.
Participants are encouraged to take part in the marathon’s costume contest beforehand.
Registration is $55 for an individual runner while relay teams of three are $165 for the group. Runners must be 14 years or older to compete.
First female and male finisher will receive a prize of $500. Second and third place finishers will take home $250 and $100, respectively.
The proceeds for the race go to WCTE to help sponsor Live Green and health and exercise programs in the Upper Cumberland.
For more information, visit www.runhauntedhalf.com.
