An annual adventure race and scavenger hunt at Black Moshannon State Park promises a fun time for participants while raising funds for a single mother battling cancer.
The 5th Annual Black Moshannon Monster Hunt Race is set for 1 p.m. on Oct. 1. A 5k run or hike, all proceeds will benefit Leslie Mersinger, a Millheim resident and mother of three boys who was diagnosed with colon cancer near the end of 2015. Having undergone surgery and chemotheraphy and still battling the disease, Mersinger is unable to work her normal job and the event will help provide some financial support.
Participants will go to a Halloween-themed station, complete a task and get a clue to find out where the next station is located. Some stations include an obstacle course, with a mud pit, an archery station, and a slip and slide to the finish line. Awards will be given to the first and second place in the 5K run, as well as for best costume of the day.
Early-bird registrations by Sept. 30 are $20 and the last day to register and receive a guaranteed T-shirt is Sept. 12. Day of registrations will be $25. Registration forms can be obtained on the Black Moshannon Monster Hunt Facebook page, at the Black Moshannon State Park office, or by emailing monsterhuntrace@gmail.com. To pay by credit card, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/Philipsburg/MonsterHuntRace.
A bake and craft sale also will be held at the Environmental Learning Center from noon until the race concludes.
The Monster Hunt Race is held yearly in memory of Mike McCloskey, a dedicated park volunteer and outdoorsman for whom the first race was held as a benefit. He battled to chronic lymphocytic leukemia before passing away in January 2013 at the age of 41.
Anyone who wishes to volunteer, donate or become a sponsor can call the Black Moshannon State Park office at (814) 342-5960 or email monsterhuntrace@gmail.com.
