Photo provided The Sherrard Middle School Cross Country Team is gearing up to host its first Monster Dash 5K on Oct. 12 at the school located at 1000 Fairmont Pike, Wheeling. Proceeds benefit Sherrard’s Athletic Department and the Marshall County Family Resource Network’s Teen Christmas Program. Shown with the students are Marshall FRN Executive Director Kimberli Green, Chris Thomas with Harvey Goodman Realtor and Coach Bethany Goddard.

SHERRARD — The Sherrard Middle School cross country team is slated to host its first Monster Dash 5K on Oct. 12 at the school located at 1000 Fairmont Pike, Wheeling.

Coach Bethany Goddard said the 5K run and walk will take place on the school grounds that serve as the cross country team’s practice course to prepare for meets.

She said the course is challenging and features a variety of terrains such as open fields, gravel roads, paved surfaces and woods.

Participants are encouraged to wear school-appropriate Halloween costumes during the race. Cross Country team members will be dressed up along the course to help people go in the right direction.

The race begins at 9 a.m. and registration begins at 8 a.m. To ensure a Monster Dash 5K T-shirt, people are asked to register early by Oct. 3 at https://runsignup.com/Race/WV/Wheeling/SherrardMonsterDash. The cost to register is $35. Proceeds from the race will benefit the Sherrard Middle School Athletic Department and the Marshall County Family Resource Network Teen Christmas Project.

“Our hope is to raise funds for uniforms for the cross country and track teams,” Goddard said. “The FRN’s Teen Christmas Project within Marshall County supports students and gives gifts before they leave for the holiday break.”

Goddard noted participants may bring their service animals, but no pets, to the race.

“Come out and support a great cause and enjoy yourself,” she said, adding the grounds around the school are “very pretty.”

Awards will be given to the top three finishers and first place overall male and female runners and walkers in the following age groups: 0-12 years old, 13-19 years old, 20-29 years old, 30-39 years old, 40-49 years old, and 50 years and older.