Hudson Area Library’s Ghostly Gallop 5K
Runners & walkers can support the library by competing in the
Ghostly Gallop Fundraising Contest
HUDSON, N.Y. – The Hudson Area Library’s Ghostly Gallop 5K will be contested virtually for the second straight year because of concerns about COVID.
The run/walk event had been scheduled for Halloween, October 31, at the Hudson Jr./Sr. High School. Instead, participants can register online at ghostlygallop.info, run, or walk a 5K between October 16 and 31, and submit their time on the Ghostly Gallop website. The fastest men and women runners will receive a Cranna Cup, the traditional trophy for the race’s top finishers. Every participant will receive a free t-shirt, which are available in men’s and women’s sizes.
“We wish we could meet on Halloween for a fun community event,” race director Gary Sheffer said. “However, I hope all Ghostly Gallopers will consider competing virtually and will raise funds on their own for the library’s programs for children and adults.”
Library Director Emily Chameides said that over the years, the race has been an important fundraiser for the library, which needs to raise over 55 percent of its budget every year through these types of events. Over the past two years, the COVID pandemic has limited the library’s ability to hold fundraisers such as its annual summer celebration and the Ghostly Gallop.
As a result, this year the library is asking Ghostly Gallop participants to raise their own funds as part of participating in the race. It’s easy to do: When participants register, they will be given instructions on how to set a fundraising goal. They’ll be able to track their progress against others. Prizes will be awarded to the top individual and team fundraisers in the Ghostly Gallop Fundraising Contest.
“Your support for the library is needed this year more than most,” Chameides said. “We hope businesses and individuals will consider joining the Gallop’s virtual run and the Ghostly Gallop Fundraising Contest.”
Sheffer said the library also is looking for sponsors to help offset the costs of the race and to provide prizes to winning fundraisers. Anyone interested in sponsoring the race can visit the Ghostly Gallop website.
The library is still considering holding a small event for children aged 12 and under on Halloween at the Jr./Sr. High School. The library board will make that decision in the next few weeks based on the public health situation.
