Family-Fun Race and Activity Village Return to Support Grants in Ashland Public Schools

For the 16th consecutive year, the Ashland Monster Dash invites ghosts, ghouls, super heroes and monsters to run in support of public education. This year’s event is being offered both virtually and in-person, with the main event taking place on Saturday, October 26th in Lithia Park, Ashland.

The Monster Dash is a collaboration between the Ashland Kiwanis Club and the Ashland Schools Foundation, with Lithia 4 Kids as the presenting sponsor. Organizers aim to raise tens of thousands of dollars for classroom grants in Ashland public schools this year. These grants can be used for classroom projects, materials and supplies, and specialized support.

Ashland Schools Foundation Executive Director Erica Thompson says she hopes this year’s Monster Dash will give families and community members the opportunity to connect and celebrate the Halloween season in the name of supporting local education.

“We had record signups last year, and loads of families engaging with crafts and games in the Monster
Activity Village throughout the day,” says Thompson. “We’ve also had a record number of grant requests
from educators in the Ashland School District over the past few years. Support for this event helps us answer those grant requests.”

The in-person race event features 1-mile, 5k and 10k distances, and will be offering prizes for top finishers. Virtual runners will also have the opportunity to win gift certificates by running anytime October 21st through 31st and uploading their times to the race website. Runners and walkers of all speeds and ages are welcome to enter costume contests for chances to win from this year’s prize pool.

The Monster Activity Village near the start and finish line will host free family-fun crafts, exhibits, live music, entertainment, contests, and auction items from 9am to 1pm.

Monster Dash sponsors have also stepped up to the plate to support local education and provide participants with prizes, giveaways and online auction items. The presenting sponsor, Lithia 4 Kids, joins nearly 100 local businesses in giving their time, products and sponsorship dollars for a successful 2024 fundraising event.

For more information, and to register for the 2024 Ashland Monster Dash, visit www.ashlandmonsterdash.com.