RUNNERS taking on a 'spooky' challenge will be able put up more treats than tricks this year.

Each person signing up to the 5k Hospice Halloween Fun Run in aid of St Teresa’s Hospice will receive a ghoulish goody bag containing a LED torch for trick or treating later in the day – thanks to a donation from Darlington's Cornmill Centre.

St Teresa’s Hospice chief executive Jane Bradshaw said: “The team at the Cornmill Centre have been fantastic supporters over the years. Not only have they donated drawstring bags for all of our lovely supporters, but they are also giving torches to each person that takes part. This will all help us to make our first Halloween Fun Run a spook-tacular success and a fantastic event for all those taking part.”

The Halloween Fun Run, taking place on Sunday, October 28 at Darlington’s South Park, is the second of “The Hospice 4” 5k events. It follows the successful Summer Fun Run which had runners of all ages and abilities braving the scorching heat in June to raise funds for the Darlington hospice.

In addition to the goody bag, participants in the hair-raising fund-raiser will be awarded another part of a unique jigsaw medal after completing the seasonal run, and are encouraged to sign up to all four challenges to collect the set.

Susan Young, Centre Manager at the Cornmill Centre, said: “The Halloween Fun Run sounds like devilishly good fun, and all for a great cause. We have supported St Teresa’s Hospice for a number of years now and we were so glad to help out by donating the bags and torches for the Halloween Fun Run. We hope everyone has a brilliant time.”

Runners can sign up at www.darlingtonhospice.org.uk. There is an entry fee of £15 for adults aged 16+ and £5 for children aged 5-15. Children under the age of 5 can enter free of charge. The run will begin at 10am on Sunday, October 28.

Completing the “Hospice 4” are the Darlington Santa Run at West Park in Darlington on Sunday, December 2, and at the same venue the St Patrick’s Day Fun Run on Sunday, March 17.

Those who missed the Summer Fun Run are encouraged to contact the Income Generation Team on 01325-254321 or by emailing events@darlingtonhospcie.org.uk to find out how to get one of the special medals.