Register Now For Halloween 5K Race In Bayside's Fort Totten Park

BAYSIDE, QUEENS — Lace up your running shoes and grab your Halloween costume, because registration is now open for Bayside's 20th-annual 5 event.

The Totten Trot, organized by the Bayside Historical Society (BHS), will take place on October 31, but early registration is available through August 14 for just $25. The registration fee will incrementally increase as the race day gets closer, and could cost as much as $40 for anyone who registers for the event day-of.

After last year's virtual race, runners have the chance to traverse a historic waterfront course in-person, and support the BHS since registration proceeds go to the group's programming efforts, and to the maintenance of its home in the former Officers' Club at Fort Totten, known as "The Castle."

The 5K course alongside Little Neck Bay gives runners a view of the Throgs Neck Bridge and Fort Totten's historic district, which includes buildings dating back to the late 1800s.

On October 31, rain or shine, the event kicks off with a 7:30 a.m. check in, followed by the 9 a.m. 5K race. Children ages 12 and under can race in the kids' fun run, which starts at 10 a.m. Costumes are welcome in the 5K race and encouraged in the kids' fun run.

Every kid will receive a cookie “medal” for participation in the fun run, and the 5K also includes a series of awards — some of which include a cash prize. The top three overall male and female runners will each receive a trophy and cash prize of $100 for first place, $75 for second place, and $50 for third place.

Trophies will also be handed out for the top three male and female runners in nine age groups, and one person in the 5K will get an award for the best costume.

The award ceremony and post-race reception will be hosted by the BHS at the Castle's ballroom — where the course begins and ends.

In addition to an appearance of "spirits" of the fort, a special guest will attend this year's event: the 501st Legion’s Empire City Garrison, a worldwide “Star Wars” costuming organization.

Register for the event here. The first 150 people to enter will get a free t-shirt, too.