Halloween costumes and running shoes will share the spotlight in Casper as the YMCA of Natrona County prepares for its Jack O’ Lantern Jog 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run on Saturday, October 24. The event combines outdoor activity and seasonal fun with a meaningful purpose: supporting people living with, through, and beyond cancer through LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA.
Participants are encouraged to dress up for the occasion and choose their own way to join the fun, whether by taking on the 5K or participating in the shorter one-mile event. The day is designed to welcome a range of participants while bringing the community together around a cause that affects individuals and families throughout Natrona County.
The event schedule begins with athlete check-in and packet pickup at 11 a.m. The 5K starts at noon, followed by the 1 Mile Fun Run at 12:15 p.m. Registration for the 5K costs $50 for YMCA members and $65 for nonmembers, while the one-mile event costs $20 for members and $35 for nonmembers. Both races offer an opportunity to take part in a community event while helping support the YMCA’s cancer survivorship programming.
The impact of the fundraiser extends beyond the finish line. Proceeds from the Jack O’ Lantern Jog benefit LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA, a free, 12-week cancer survivorship program designed to help participants rebuild strength, improve physical well-being, and connect with others navigating life during or after cancer treatment. The program recognizes that recovery involves more than medical care alone, offering a supportive environment where participants can work toward personal health and wellness goals.
Once the races conclude, the celebration continues with the YMCA’s annual Pumpkin Plunge, scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. Children can enter the pool and choose pumpkins from the water, bringing a playful twist to the traditional pumpkin patch. Families who prefer to stay dry can enjoy land-based activities, including pumpkin decorating, pumpkin bowling, and face painting. READ MORE.