This year’s Aisin 5K will help get people into the spooky spirit of Halloween and raise money at the same time.

Registration for the Monster Mash 5K Dash has begun, and organizers hope to have lots of participation from the community, said Jenny Rumph, human resources representative. 

Participants can register online at indianatiming.com or may complete a registration form at Aisin U.S.A. Mfg. Inc., 1700 E. Fourth St., Seymour. Checks can be made payable to Aisin U.S.A. Registration also will be available one hour before the race begins.

The run/walk starts at 4 p.m. Oct. 27 at Aisin Holdings of America, 1665 E. Fourth St. in the Eastside Industrial Park in Seymour. The route will be in and around the industrial park.

"Most 5Ks are on a Saturday morning," Rumph said. "We wanted to try something different."

Goody bags will be given to each participant, and treats will be handed out to kids. There also will be door prizes and medals for those who participate. Halloween costumes are encouraged, and there will be special activities for children, Rumph said.

Participants who sign up by Friday pay $20 and will receive an event T-shirt or can pay $15 if they don’t want a shirt. After Friday, the registration fee increases to $25. Aisin employees can sign up for $15.

All money raised from the event will be used to purchase benches for the city’s multipurpose trail along Burkart Boulevard, which runs in front of Aisin Plant 2.

Rumph said the goal is to raise at least $1,500 to buy three benches, and then the city’s parks and recreation department will match the amount for a total of six benches.

This is the sixth year for the Aisin 5K. Last year, the event was conducted in conjunction with the Seymour Half Marathon.

"Last year, we didn’t have as big a participation as we wished," Rumph said. "Less than 20 people did it."

Aisin is creating a little friendly competition with its employees by offering incentives to those who participate.

"The supervisor that has the most people participating will be entered into a drawing for a free lunch for the whole department," Rumph said.

In the past, the event has raised money for different causes, including the Jackson County Dog Shelter.

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What: Aisin 5K Monster Mash 5K Dash

When: 4 p.m. Oct. 27

Where: Aisin Holdings of America, 1665 E. Fourth St. in the Eastside Industrial Park in Seymour

Cost: Participants who sign up by Friday pay $20 and will receive an event T-shirt or can pay $15 if they don’t want a shirt. After Friday, the registration fee increases to $25. Aisin employees can sign up for $15.

People wanting to sign up can do so online at indianatiming.com or can complete a registration form at Aisin U.S.A. Mfg. Inc., 1700 E. Fourth St., Seymour. Checks can be made payable to Aisin U.S.A. Registration also will be available one hour before the race begins.

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