This October, we are proud to host Waterloo Region’s inaugural ECU – a Division of WFCU Credit Union Trick or Trot!

A Halloween-themed 5K Run, 5K Walk, and 1K or 250m Kids Dash, this new community event offers family fun you won’t want to miss!

Alongside the 5K Run, 5K Walk, and Kids Dash, we will be hosting a Halloween Costume Contest. Come dressed in your favourite costume for the chance to win! Costumes are not required to participate in any of the race events but are encouraged.

Join us before and after the race for awards, music, and activities!

Saturday, October 28^th, 2023

8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Laurel Creek Trail

Meeting Area: 445 Wes Graham Way, Waterloo, ON N2L 6R2. 0A1

Proceeds from this event will benefit Food4Kids Waterloo Region, a local organization that addresses the childhood hunger crisis present in our community. We will be collecting non-perishable foods at the event to donate to Food4Kids. Bring your food donations in exchange for a Halloween Treat!

General Race Information

When and where will the ECU – a Division of WFCU Credit Union Trick or Trot take place?

The race will take place on Saturday, October 28th, 2023, along the Laurel Creek Trail. The meeting area is 445 Wes Graham Way, Waterloo, ON N2L 6R2.

Are there age restrictions?

Children must be ages 2-10 years old to participate in the Kids Dash. All others must register for either the 5K Walk or 5K Run.

Is the race walker friendly? Do I register as a walker or runner if I plan to do a split walk/run during the event?

Yes, we encourage all walkers to join the fun! Please register as a runner if you plan to do a split walk/run during the event. All participants that register as walkers MUST NOT run at any time during the 5K route. You will be disqualified if you run at any point.

What do I receive when I participate?

The first 300 registrants for the 5K Run, 5K Walk, or Kids Dash events will receive a souvenir race t-shirt. All participants that finish the run will receive a commemorative medal. Each participant will receive a post-race snack.

Registration

How do I register for this event?

Registration and payment for the event will be done online only. All participants must be pre-registered. There will be no registration on the day of the event. Register here!

Will registration be limited?

Yes. For the safety of all participants, the races will be restricted to the following numbers: • 5K Run – 300 Participants • 5K Walk – 150 Participants • Kids Dash – 200 Participants

Can I register on race day?

No. There will be no registration available on the day of the event.

What is the cost of registration?

The registration cost for the 5K Run and 5K Walk is $50. The cost of registration for the Kids Dash is $25. There will be NO REFUNDS.

How do I register for the costume contest?

Registration for the costume contest will take place on the day of the event. If you are interested in participating in the costume contest, please register at the costume contest table by 9:00 AM. Those entering in the pairs or group divisions must come to the judging table as a group to be eligible to enter the contest.

Race Kits

Where do I pick up my race kit?

Race kits will be available for pick up on the event day, Saturday October 28th, 2023, starting at 8:00 AM.

What is included in my race kit?

Participants that registered before October 23, 2023 receive a souvenir t-shirt. All participants registered in either the 5K Run or 5K walk will receive a bib and chip timer, along with other swag! Participants in the Kids Dash will receive a bib and other fun swag.

Race Day

What is the race day schedule?

8:00 AM – Participant Arrival and Race Kit Pickup
9:00 AM – Opening Remarks
9:45 AM – 250m Kids Dash - Bibs #100-199
10:00 AM – 1K Kids Dash - Bibs #200-299
10:15 AM – Start Waves – 5K Runners
10:30 AM – Start Waves – 5K Walkers
11:00 AM – 5K Run Awards
11:30 AM – 5K Walk Awards
11:45 AM – Costume Contest Awards
12:00 AM – Finish Line Closes

How should I dress for the event? Do I have to wear to a costume to participate?

The event will take place outside, so please dress accordingly. We highly suggest wearing layers that you can easily take on or off and checking the forecast before heading out the door. Costumes are not required to participate in any of the race events but are encouraged!

What if it is raining on the day of the race?

The race will take place rain or shine.

How will the race be timed?

This is a chip-timed event. A chip timer is attached to the back of all 5K participants’ bibs.

On the Course

Is the course map available?

Yes, view the race map here.

Are strollers allowed on the course?

Yes, strollers are allowed on the course. If you choose to run with a stroller, you MUST line up at the back of the race shoot. It is your responsibility to make sure your stroller does not impede other runners. You must take extra precaution for your safety, your child’s safety, and the safety of the runners around you. We reserve the right to pull any person from the race who is endangering other runners or themselves.

Are headphones allowed during the race?

Yes, headphones are allowed. However, we do recommend that participants use extreme caution when using headphones during the race events for the safety of all participating.

Will there be water stations?

Yes, there will be water stations at the start/finish line area, as well as the 2.5K marker.

Will there be a medical aid station?

Yes, the medical aid station will be located at the start/finish line area. Marshals on the course will also have two-way radios for contact with public safety officials.

Will there be bathrooms/portable toilets available on the course?

Portable restrooms are available at the start/finish line of the course.

Food Drive

Where will the food donations be going?

All food donations will be brought to Food4Kids Waterloo Region, a local a local organization that addresses the childhood hunger crisis present in our community.

What should I donate?

You can donate any non-perishable food to Food4Kids Waterloo Region if they are within their expiry date. If you are unsure where to start, check out the list of most wanted food on the Food4Kids Waterloo Region website!

Where should I put my donations?

There will be a table when you arrive, there will be a table where we are collecting all food donations. At the end of the event, we will bring the food to Food4Kids Waterloo Region to be donated. There will be a volunteer at the table regulating donations.

Do I receive anything for donating food?

Yes! When you bring a food donation, we will give you a Halloween Treat in return to say thanks!

Does more than one donation mean more than one treat?

No. Each person that donates will receive a maximum of one treat bag, regardless of how many items are donated.

Awards

Who receives medals?

All participants that complete the 5K Run, 5K Walk, or Kids Dash events will receive a commemorative medal.

When and where will the awards and prizes be given out?

Awards for the top male and female participant in each 5K event will be presented on the main stage at the start/finish line at the following times:
• 5K Run: 11:00 AM
• 5K Walk: 11:30 AM

What are the categories for awards and prizing?

There will be four (4) race awards given out for the following:
• Top Female and Top Male Runner
• Top Female and Top Male Walker

Please note, awards are not split by age categories. There will only be two winners for each 5K race.

Costume Contest

Q: Who is eligible to participate in the costume contest?

All registered participants in either the 5K Walk or 5K Run events, who wear a costume during their race, are eligible to participate in the costume contest. Completing the race without your costume will result in a disqualification from the costume contest. Children participating in the Kids Dash are encouraged to wear their costumes, however there will not be a costume contest for children. Please note, if you are participating in the costume contest, your race bib must be visible.

What are the costume contest categories?

• Individual Costume – costumes of only one person
• Partner Costume – costumes with two people
• Group Costume – three or more people forming a group theme
The top winner in each category will receive a prize!

How will the costume contest be judged?

Judges will be looking for originality, authenticity, overall theme, and craftsmanship! If you are interested in participating, you will need to register at the Costume Contest table by 9:00 a.m. Those entering in the pairs or group divisions must come to the judging table as a group to be eligible to enter the contest.

When will costume contest judging and awarding take place?

Costume contest judging will take place at 9:15 AM on the Main Stage at the start/finish line. Awards for each category will be handed out following the races at 11:45 a.m. on the Main Stage. Costume contest winners must be present at the awards ceremony to receive their prize.

Have any questions that are not mentioned here? Email us at communityinvestment@wfcu.ca