The City of Delaware and the Delaware County Diabetes Association (DCDA) have joined together to combine two events into one big party. Saturday, Oct. 27, the city will host both the Pumpkin Run 5K and the Sweet Feat 5K Walk, which will be held at Mingo Park.

Both the run and walk will begin at 3 p.m. To make for a family-friendly atmosphere, there will also be a kids “fun run” that will begin at 3:45 p.m.

All participants must be registered and can do so by visiting ymcapumpkinrun.itsyourrace.com. Registration for the run will cost $30, $20 for the walk, and $5 for the kids race.

Those who have already registered may pick up their race packet the Friday before the event at the Delaware Community Center YMCA, located on South Houk Road. Day-of-race pickup and late registration will begin at 2 p.m. at Mingo Park.

In addition to the races, there will be a costume competition throughout the day. Awards will be given for the best individual costume and the best group costumes. Dogs are welcomed for the Sweet Feat Walk, and there will also be an award for the best-dressed dog. Dogs must be registered.

Proceeds from the two races will benefit the Delaware YMCA Healthy Weight and Your Child program, a program where children at risk for obesity are selected, along with their families, to receive YMCA memberships and participate in a yearlong program centered on exercise and nutrition. The program costs $150, but scholarships are being awarded by DCDA to cover the fee.

“With exercise, the habits should start young,” DCDA President Dr. Jane Graebner said. “Excercise has to become part of everybody’s lifestyle, and when you can do it as a family, it no longer is drudgery. It’s a way of enjoying each other and be a part of the community, and it’s for a good cause.”

Graebner, a podiatrist who owns the Foot and Ankle Wellness Center located in Delaware on West William Street, has served as the president of DCDA since 2015. She said the Sweet Feat Walk is DCDA’s biggest source of exposure and strongly believes “walking is America’s cure for obesity and mental health.”

For more race information, contact Elizabeth Zingale at 740-203-3051 or by email at [email protected].

Following the race on Oct. 27, the city will host its Halloween party from 4 to 7 p.m. at Mingo Park. Festivities will include “Trunk or Treat” with plenty of candy, inflatable fun for children, live music, food, and a costume contest. The event will take place rain or shine, and the city encourages carpooling as parking will be limited.