Run MS Pre-Registration & Bib Pick-Up Party

Local Sporting Goods Store To Host Spooktacular 5K Pre-Registration Party

Trick-Or-Treat Stations Provide Kids With Dry Run To Halloween Festivities

On Friday, Oct. 25, Sports Authority West Hartford, one of the largest sporting goods retailers in the United States, is teaming up with the National MS Society, Connecticut Chapter, to host a bib packet pick-up and pre-registration event, from 3 to 7 p.m., in support of the chapter’s 2013 Run MS, A Spooktacular 5K, which will be held at Rentschler Field the next day, Saturday, Oct. 26.

“We are delighted to help out,” said store manager Donald Pallanck, West Hartford, who signed on with Sports Authority in 1993. “Sports Authority recognizes that there are many worthy causes. Giving back to community is part of our mission.” 

Bristol resident Brian Peters, operations team leader with Sports Authority, understands how multiple sclerosis, a potentially debilitating disease, affects lives. His mother, Roberta Peters, was diagnosed with MS 19 years ago.

“My mother was always a hard worker,” said Peters, who graduated from Central Connecticut State University with a degree in business management. “It’s been tough watching MS slow her down. I’m glad to get involved, and equally pleased that my organization is on board to support the fight against multiple sclerosis.”

The Sports Authority Run MS pre-registration and bib packet pick-up event will take place Friday, Oct. 25, at Sports Authority West Hartford, which is located just down the road from West Farms Mall on the West Hartford-Farmington town line at 1600 SE Road, Farmington. Parents are encouraged to bring their children in costume to trick-or-treat at candy stations situated throughout the store. Everyone who pre-registers for Run MS in-store or online and picks up their bib packet at Sports Authority on Friday, Oct. 25, between 3 and 7 p.m. will be entered to win a $150 Sports Authority gift card. The winner will be announced at the next day’s Run MS finish line celebration. Sports Authority associates will hand out money saving coupons for store merchandise. 

The 2013 Run MS, A Spooktacular 5K, takes place Saturday, Oct. 26, at Rentschler Field, in East Hartford, and includes a one-mile Family Fun Stroll. Check-in begins at 8 a.m. The run begins at 9 a.m. The fun features men and women’s timed divisions, costume contest, cash prizes, free samples, music, refreshments and a finish line party. The first 200 participants to register will receive a free commemorative Run MS tee-shirt. There is a $30 per person registration fee through Oct. 25. There is a $35 registration fee on race day, Oct. 26. There is a $5 per person fee for participating in the Family Fun Stroll, which includes candy giveaways and drawings for prizes. Registration is available online at www.ctfightsMS.org.

For more information on the Sports Authority West Hartford pre-registration and bib packet pick-up, call Michael Branda, National MS Society, Connecticut Chapter, development manager, at 860-913-2550.