More than 550 registered participants, volunteers and supporters came together on Sunday, October 30 for the 4th annual Trick or Treat Trot 5K Run/Walk and Creepy Crawler Fun Run hosted by Exeter Hospital and Core Podiatry. Most attendees dressed in costume, running or walking in support of The Beyond the Rainbow Fund, a fund dedicated to providing financial assistance and support to patients in need at Exeter Hospital’s Center for Cancer Care. This year’s event was the most successful to date, not only in participation, but in raising more than $20,000 in net proceeds for local cancer patients in need.
This year’s Trick or Treat Trot 5K overall male and female race winners were Porter Heigis, 14, and Kate Burrus, 11, second year overall female winner, respectively. Awards were also presented to both 2nd and 3rd place overall male and female “Trot” winners, and age group division winners. The event also added a new fundraising component this year in which top individual fundraisers were recognized. Top fundraisers were Kathleen Pratt, Rosanne Swanson and Meghan Hession. Awards were also given for both adult and children’s best costumes. For additional race results, visit www.coolrunning.com.
Each year the event receives an overwhelming amount of support from local area businesses, including Exeter Health Resources’ Community Advancement Partners, Autofair Nissan, D.F. Richard, Optima Bank & Trust and Seacoast United Sports Club. This year’s platinum level title sponsors were Eastern Bank and Hannaford with additional sponsors including Dunkin Donuts, Front Row Pizzeria, Newburyport Five Cents Savings Bank, The RIM Sports Complex, Ani’s Bagel Café, The Cassidy & Siden Families, Dr. Geri Hunter Orthodontics, RAM Printing, Inc. & Runner’s Alley.
Proceeds from this year’s event will directly benefit patients undergoing cancer treatment at Exeter Hospital’s Center for Cancer Care. The Beyond the Rainbow Fund was founded in 2002 by former Exeter Hospital patient and Hampton resident, Anne-Marie Viviano, as a resource to help others within the local community in their fight against cancer.
James Dolan, DPM, Core Podiatry and one of the founding members of the event said, “We are excited to see this event continue to grow and become a Halloween tradition for many. This event not only brings the community together for a festive holiday celebration, but also enables them to give back by helping those who are facing a cancer diagnosis and may be in need of additional support during such a difficult period in their lives. ”
To learn more about upcoming events and/or how community members can support the advancement efforts of Exeter Hospital and its affiliates, visit www.unitedinwellness.org.
Richard Feeney, DO, Core Physiatry, crosses the finish line at this year’s Trick or Treat Trot.