NORTHFIELD — The Monster Dash 5K is anticipating a record-breaking number of participants in its 14th year.

The 5K, in which runners, walkers and bicyclists are encouraged to race while wearing Halloween costumes, will start at Town Hall on Saturday, Oct. 26, at 9 a.m.

Race Director Terry McKeon started the Monster Dash 5K to raise money for the First Parish Unitarian Church while bringing the community together. What started with only 20 participants has now turned into a yearly family tradition. Close to 100 people participated last year.

“I expect this year we’ll get around 150 to 200 people. We already have, as of today, close to 90 people signed up online.” McKeon said a week before the event. “Usually the last week we get a barrage of people signing up online, and if it’s a nice day, we have 30 to 40 people that just show up, waiting to see if the weather is good.”

During his time coordinating the race, McKeon can recall some of his favorite costumes, including a passionate Incredible Hulk covered head-to-toe in green paint and Dr. Seuss characters such as The Lorax. Racers are encouraged to join in on the Halloween spirit and may earn prizes for their creativity.

People can sign up for the race at tinyurl.com/MonsterDash5K2024. Same-day registration is also available, with in-person registration starting at 7 a.m.

To make the race accessible for as many people as possible, Monster Dash 5K participants can walk, run or bike.

“It’s accessible for families because you can put kids on a tandem bike. We also make the pricing really reasonable — you can have a family of seven participate for $30. Also, everybody pretty much goes home with a prize or two,” McKeon said, remembering fondly how he’s gotten to watch generations of residents come back every year.

Sponsors of the event include the Northfield Creamie, which will hand out 100 race mugs for the first 100 sign-ups. Prizes will also include gift certificates and food baskets from local favorites like the Northfield Food Mart, Cameron’s Winery, The Brewery at Four Star Farms, Adria’s Floral Designs and Picadilly Farm in New Hampshire.

The focus on accessibility for everyone is top of mind, with McKeon mentioning that it’s staffed by volunteers who ensure participants don’t get lost and are safe. Since there’s no official timing, McKeon said, there are a few shortcuts that participants can take throughout the course if the length gets to be too much or there are any problems.

“There’s lots of people who are just slow and having fun, and that’s what it’s about, so don’t be intimidated,” ” McKeon said. “Come in a silly costume and enjoy yourself.”