Running Man slated

The Feed Store is gearing up for its own version of Halloween tricks and treats with the 27th annual Running Man competition..

The activities begin at 9:00 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28 at The Feed Store with teams of runners expected to start the competition by 10:00 p.m.

“The last Saturday of October has always been our date, and we are sticking to that,” Feed Store director Tisha Wilkins said. “We usually have registration, then a speaker and get everybody dropped off by 10:00. We hope they’re back by 11:00 or 11:30.”

The event is open to high school and junior high students fromAlbany and Moran. Runners must have a signed permission slip regardless of age.

LukeSpraberryofBethel Assembly will address the participants before they are taken to their starting points.

Runners must make their way from various dropoff points through the streets and alleys of Albany back to The Feed Store without being detected by spotlighters.

Teams are set by grade level with seventh grade through high school seniors taking part. Wilkins said students fromAlbany and Moran are eligible to compete, but varsity athletes are not allowed.

“If we do have college leaders, they have to be an alumni ofAlbany,” Wilkins said.

The team that has the largestpercentageofmembers returnundetectedwill be declared the winner.

Forms will also be available at The Feed Store the night of Oct. 28, allowing runners to sign up until the event begins.

Running Man began in 1997 as an alternative to less-desirable Halloween activities and has become a local tradition.

Runners try to avoid 10 official spotlighters in returning to The Feed Store.

Volunteers are asked to contact Wilkins in advance at 325-660-7443 to sign up.