Better2gether Halloween Hustle 5K & Kids Run

The Better2gether Halloween Hustle 5K & Kids Run is Sunday, October 18, 2026. 

• For our runners, the course is a chip-timed 3.1-mile event.

• For our joggers and walkers, they're in for a treat - and a few tricks! 

• We also have an awesome race t-shirt and themed finisher prize.

• Adventure awaits kids 12 and under in the Kids Run

• Just us at the Race Festival for a costume contest, intriguing games, petting zoo, face painting, food and more!

• There’s something for everyone at this festive, family-friendly event!

Ways to Fundraise

Thank you so much for signing up to fundraise for Better2gether RVA as part of the Halloween Hustle 5K! You've taken the first step to make a difference for medically complex children in our community. We're here to cheer you along the way as you hustle to reach your goal. Here are some helpful tools and tips for reaching the finish line!

1 - Tell Your Story

Update your RunSignUp fundraising page with a personal message and photos. Not sure what to say? Answer the questions below and use your responses when emailing, posting or talking to others about your goal. Be sure to share updates on your page and on social media to let your community know how your fundraising efforts are going. 

What are you raising money for? 

Let your friends and family know why you're fundraising for Better2gether, what your fundraising goal is and how their gift can make a difference. You don't have to write a book to be convincing. Keep your reasons short, simple and personal.

Why do you care? 
Let everyone know why you care about Better2gether's mission and what made you want to get involved. Tell a story – it’s the best way to turn your readers into supporters. If they understand exactly why an issue matters to you, they’re more likely to think that it’s important too. If you can get people to engage emotionally that's what fundraising is all about!

2 - Hold a Fundraiser

When it comes to fundraising, let your creativity run wild!  You can choose to raise money however you want, whenever you want. No matter how big or small your fundraiser is, you're making a difference and helping to provide care to medically complex children. Here are a few ideas for inspiration:

• Bake Sale or Lemonade/Hot Chocolate Stand: location, location, location! Whether in your neighborhood, at a local business or at work, find the perfect spot to sell your yummy treats & raise awareness for Better2gether. For extra donations, be sure to put out a donation jar and/or flyer with a QR code to your fundraising page. Canva is a great resource for making flyers! Click Here for Better2gether Overview Flyer. 

• Brunch or Dinner Party: invite friends over for a themed meal and ask for a donation in return. Share a flyer on Better2gether's mission or play our quick mission video by Clicking Here. 

• Pick a Number: make a large board out of poster board with numbers 1-50 on it or use a calendar to create a September or October challenge. Ask friends, family and co-workers to pick a number or day and donate that amount. That number is then taken off the board or marked off. You could also make this board digitally to share on social media. Have friends comment with their number. Be sure to share your RunSignUp fundraising link or collect by Venmo and donate to your page. If all 50 numbers are taken, you’ll raise $1,275! It’s an easy ask to make as $50 is the max amount. Click Here for your B2g Pick a Number Board.

• Restaurant Giveback: ask your favorite restaurant if you would be willing to do a giveback night where a percentage of the proceeds would be donated to your team's page. Try Chipotle, Blaze, Chick-fil-A, California Pizza, Noodles & Company, Panera Bread, Potbelly, Red Robin, Sweet Frog, Cold Stone, and Brusters. The website, GroupRaise.com, has an interactive map that lets you search for restaurants in your area. This website also helps you book the restaurant. It's a great resource when trying to find that perfect match. Click Here for Better2gether’s 501c3 letter. If you need any additional documentation to set-up your fundraiser, contact info@better2getherrva.org. 

• Product Party: do you have a friend who sells Stella & Dot or Pampered Chef? Host an event in your home and ask to donate a percentage of sales to your fundraising team. 

• Facebook Fundraiser: celebrate your birthday or create a team fundraiser using Facebook fundraisers, which make it easy for friends and family to support you. Be sure to select Better2gether RVA has your fundraiser charity and we'll credit your RunSignUp fundraising page with the donations. Click here to learn how to set up a Facebook fundraiser.  

• Jeans/Dress Down Day: work with your school or your boss/HR department to host a day where employees can dress casually in exchange for a donation. 

• Charity Yoga/Barre/Cycling Class: ask a local fitness studio to donate registration fees for a class. 

   

Check out the full lineup of prizes and awards available to runners, costume wearers, and individual & team fundraisers! 

Must be present to claim prize. Prizes are not available for pick-up or mailing. Thank you!

5K Finisher Awards

The following individuals will be awarded finisher prizes during the post-race ceremony at 3:15 pm. Available only to in-person 5K participants. 

Top overall male 
Top overall female
Top senior finisher

Costume Contest

Get your creative juices flowing, as we'll be giving awards in a variety of costume categories, including Best Costume, Best Kids Costume, Best Couples Costume, Best Group Costume, and Most Creative Costume. Costume Contest will be held at 3:15 pm during the Post-Race Festival. 

Individual & Team Awards

Gather your friends and family to join the #HalloweenHustle5K! Whether walking/running or fundraising or both, we've got the following awards and prizes to celebrate your hustle. All fundraising prizes are based on donations, no registration fees. Team awards will be calculated on October 16th at 5pm and announced at the race at 3:15 p.m.

Fundraising Awards

Top fundraising team
Top fundraising individual
 

Largest Team Award

The team with the most registered members (in-person or virtual) will win the Largest Team Award. 

Team Spirit Award

Awarded to the team who showed the most spirit - whether its creating awareness for B2g, having an awesome team name, using props, or singing a team chant. It's subjective but who doesn't like to win? Have fun & be creative! 

Team Recognitions

Teams raising $2,500 or more get a team shout-out sign along the course, based on team donations as of October 16th at 5pm. 

Teams raising $1,000 or more will have a special photo booth team sign for race day, based on team donations as of October 16th at 5pm.

The Better2gether Halloween Hustle 5K is a great opportunity for teams of all kinds. Whether you involve your school, family, office or neighborhood, create a group and run/walk together!  The more the better as there's bragging rights and a prize for Largest Team. 

The families we serve know what it truly means to hustle every single day. When a child is living with multiple rare and chronic medical conditions, families are constantly managing doctor visits, medications, medical equipment, therapies, hospital stays, and so much more. The journey can feel overwhelming, exhausting, and isolating.

That’s where Better2gether steps in. We walk alongside families so they never have to navigate this journey alone. Through personalized support, resource connections, Better Bags for hospital stays and medical travel, caregiver support groups, and meaningful family events, we help bring comfort, community, and hope during life’s toughest moments.

Friday, October 16th

Packet Pick-Up & Registration at Fleet Feet Short Pump
3:00 pm-5:00 pm

Sunday, October 18th 

Race Day, Sunday

1:00 pm - Walk-up Registration & Packet Pick-Up Opens

2:00 pm -  Kids Run

2:30 pm - 5K Starts

3:15 pm - Costume Parade & Awards

3:30- Race Festival
 

Enter the event using the main entrance into Deep Run Park off Ridgefield Pkwy. There is ample parking lots in the park.  All parking, and course activities will be on paved asphalt and accessible. 

Enjoy a beautiful run, walk or stroll through a paved course in Deep Run Park! 

Course map under development. Coming soon!

Good things happen to those who hustle and we've got the perfect way to say thanks. Refer 6 friends to sign-up and your registration fee will be refunded!

Step 1  Locate your unique referral link: check your confirmation email from Runsignup.com or log into Runsignup.com, go to your Profile, and select “My Referrals” at the bottom.

Step 2  Share your referral link with your friends and family.

Step 3 Get $ back & enjoy the 5K with your crew!

Note: refund cannot exceed the amount paid for registration.