CONTACT the webmaster if you'd like a reminder/entry form by e-mail. A printable entry form will be online soon.

What is it?	A 5K Run, a 1-mile Fun-Run, a Silent Auction, Displays
When is it?	Saturday, August 24, 2002. . . 7:00 in the evening
Where is it?	Bear Creek Park, Keller (Click for MAPS)~ DFW Metroplex
Who can go?	Anyone and Everyone. All ages. . . This means YOU!
Why Go?	It's FUN and it will help disadvantaged local children

Questions & Answers about the 5K RUN in the DARK:

Where is the race?    At Bear Creek Park in Keller, TX. (Click here for a map)  The park is just east of Route 377, Denton Hwy, about 5 miles north of Highway Rte 820, on Bear Creek Parkway. In resident polls, this park is often named Northeast Tarrant County's "BEST PARK".

Where and when can I register? You can get registration forms online, at The Community Storehouse, at "Run On" stores in the Dallas Metroplex, Kroger Supermarket in Keller, and Luke's Locker in Fort Worth. You can mail your registration to the Storehouse before August 16.  Thursday & Friday: Aug. 22 and 23, you can register and/or pick up your race packet and T-shirt at the Kroger Supermarket in Keller and Luke's Locker in Fort Worth. You may also register on Race Day, Saturday, Aug. 24 from 6:00 pm until 7:15 pm at the hockey rink in Bear Creek Park in Keller.

Is it for serious runners, casual joggers, walkers, families, or kids?  ALL of them! RUN IN THE DARK appeals to all ages and abilities.  There are trophies for those fast-on-their-feet, ribbons for the kids, music, displays and food for everyone.

Why are you having this event?   As the area's nonprofit food pantry and emergency aid agency, The Community Storehouse operates on tax-deductible donations received throughout the year from individuals, churches, and businesses. There are so many struggling families in the area and not enough donations to fund all the aid requests we get, so the annual "Run in the Dark" is a FUN way for the whole community to get involved in raising funds for this important mission.

Why in August?  What better time to have a BACK-TO-SCHOOL event? RUN IN THE DARK's proceeds will buy school supplies, doctor visits, and other necessities for disadvantaged children returning to school.

Where is the Auction?   On the hockey rink in Bear Creek Park, near the refreshments. 

Are the Auction items expensive? NO!  We have a varied range of items up for bids. Come snag a bargain!

What sort of things will be in the Silent Auction?  Something for EVERYONE!  Restaurant gift-certificates, Gym memberships, gifts for your pet, artwork, movie passes, sports-items, gift cards to various local stores. . . 

Why is it in the evening? We like to sleep-in on weekends. . . no, seriously, the timing allows for much more shade. It will get COOLER as the event progresses, as opposed to morning races where it just gets hotter! It also makes for a fun evening out for all ages.

How many water stations will you have?   FOUR. We have 4 water stations to provide ample hydration.

Can I bring my DOG with me?    We love animals, but request that you leave pets at home. The number of people and amount of activity might frighten your dog, cat, tiger, or longhorn steer...causing him to behave unpredictably.

What about snacks?  Yep, we've got 'em!  LOTS of them ~ Unlike most 5K's, The Run in the Dark permits runners AND spectators to enjoy the refreshments.

Is there an after-party?  YES!  A terrific cool-down party is planned at the Keller Starbuck's.  It's in front of the Tom Thumb Supermarket at the corner of Rte 1709 (Keller Pkwy) and Rufe Snow Drive. (MAP)

How about trophies and awards?  Trophies will be awarded to the top two male and female finishers overall AND the top two male and female finishers in each age-category for 5K runners.  There are 14 age-categories. There is no duplication of awards.

The first 5 males and first 5 females to finish the 1 mile fun-run will receive a medal.

Participants aged 12 and under will receive a ribbon, regardless of their time, for finishing either race (5K or 1 mile). 

The Freebie Runner bringing in the MOST pledge money will win a PRIZE.

“Super Storehouse Supporters” certificate of appreciation will go to the team that brings the largest group of participants to the race. Corporations, school groups, scout troops, neighborhood groups, running clubs, walking/Volkssport clubs, bank employees, restaurant workers, and so on are encouraged to challenge others in the contest for the biggest team.  Pre-registered groups will be announced.

What are the age categories?  9 and under, 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70+.

How can a person or business become a sponsor?  Contact Maureen at 817-431-3340 or [email protected] for details on sponsorship opportunities and privileges. 

How can our family of 4 get a discount?   Invite a friend along and sign up as "5 Friends in the Dark". This entitles you ALL to a discount on the 5K entry fee.

What does "Dozen in the Dark" mean? This is a new 5K registration option to reward GROUPS of 12 or more with discounted entry fees and recognition over the loudspeaker at the event. It is especially nice for school athletic teams, scout troops, youth groups, office coworkers, bunco groups, etc.

What does "Double Dark Deal" mean?   This is the heavily-discounted registration option for those who wish to enter both the 5K and 1-mile races.  It includes one T-shirt.

Is there a way to enter for FREE?  YES!  The registration fee is waived for entrants bringing in at least $30 in pledge money from others. The "FREEBIE RUNNER" who brings the biggest contribution will earn a surprise reward (must be present).  A Freebie Runner may choose either race: 5K or 1 mile.

Can you sum up the entry choices?  See the table below:

ENTRY FEES PER PERSON:	Mailed by Aug. 16	Aug. 16 to Aug. 23	Race Day Aug. 24
1 MILE FUN-RUN:	$10	$12	$12
5K RUN IN THE DARK:	$15	$18	$20
5 FRIENDS in the DARK: Team of 5 or more; per person fee	$14	$17	$19
DOZEN in the DARK: Team of 12 or more; per person fee	$13	$16	$18
DOUBLE DARK DEAL: Enter Both Races: 1 mile + 5K	$19	$22	$25
FREEBIE RUNNER: Bring $30 or more in pledge money	Free	Free	Free
GHOST RUNNER: Support cause without running.	$10	$10	$12

What will you do with the proceeds?   We will buy necessities for hundreds of needy kids: school supplies and backpacks, sneakers, prescription eyeglasses, immunizations, doctor visits, and so on.

I don't want to RUN, but can I enter?    YES! You can WALK, skip, hop, crawl, dance... but please, no roller-blades or skateboards for the safety of everyone involved.

What should I do while my spouse/friend is running?  Go shopping! YES! You can start your holiday shopping at the silent auction tables. . . or watch the ducks in the pond, enjoy the music and displays, or just relax and see the beautiful sunset then head toward the finish line to cheer on returning racers. 

What about babies and toddlers?    BRING THEM ALONG!  They will have a wonderful time! They can cruise along the 1 mile or 5 km course in a stroller or baby-backpack.  

Can I just drop off my kids and leave?   No, it is best to accompany and supervise your children. . . you just might be surprised at how much fun you'll have!

5 kilometers is too far.  Can you accommodate me?   YES!  You may register for the 1-mile fun-run.  It is open to all ages.  Registration includes a T-shirt for this non-competitive fun-run.

I'll be out of town on August 24, but can I help somehow?   YES! There are 4 ways to help:                  

You can register as a "Ghost Runner" ~ this includes a souvenir T-shirt and the satisfaction of knowing you've helped a child get the basics needed for school. 

You can sponsor a friend or neighbor who will participate ~ they can enter for free by bringing at least $30 total in pledges from others.

You can make a tax-deductible donation to The Community Storehouse ~ we will use it to aid those in need.

You can tell friends and co-workers about the event and encourage their participation.

What if I take some pictures at The Run in the Dark?   We welcome photos and will post them on our website as space permits. Contact the webmaster.

What about Group pictures?   Scout Troops, School Groups, Office Workers, etc. are welcome to submit a group shot for the website.  You can also ask Maureen to take your photo at the event.

  

Proceeds are paying for school supplies, physicals, dental care, shoes, and more; this will improve the quality of life for so many deserving kids.

  

CONTACT the webmaster if you'd like a reminder/entry form by e-mail.