Registration is open for Mason's second annual Spooktacular Costume 5K Run and Walk, a Halloween-morning race that raises money for food-insecure students in Mason City Schools.

The race starts at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, at Corwin M. Nixon Park. Check-in opens at 7:30 a.m., with a lineup and announcements at 8:50 a.m. Mason Recreation, which organizes the event, described the course as dog- and stroller-friendly, winding through Mason, according to the event's registration page.

Runners and walkers of all ages are welcome. Costumes are encouraged.

Organizers are asking participants to show up in their most creative Halloween getups. Top male and female finishers in seven age divisions receive a first-place lanyard with their medal. The divisions are 10 and under, 11–19, 20–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59 and 60 and over.

Where the money goes

Proceeds and donations support Shine Like Sable, the Comet Cupboard and the City of Mason in their work ensuring Mason City Schools students facing food insecurity have access to essentials they need. The inaugural race was held Oct. 18, 2025, also at Corwin M. Nixon Park.

Registration fees

Early registration runs through Friday, Oct. 2, at $30 for adults and $25 for children 10 and under. Signing up by that date guarantees a race T-shirt and medal.

Fees rise to $35 for adults and $30 for children from Oct. 3 through Oct. 17. After that, race-day pricing kicks in at $40 for adults and $35 for children. T-shirts and medals are not guaranteed for anyone who registers after Oct. 2.

Sign up at runsignup.com.

Packet pickup

Packet pickup is Friday, Oct. 30, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Mason Community Center, 6050 Mason Montgomery Rd.

Upcoming Mason community events

Mason Recreation is also hosting a free freestyle swim clinic on Wednesday, Oct. 14, at the Mason Community Center. For the full fall schedule, residents can visit the Mason Recreation department's social media pages or the Mason Community Center.