Photo: The start of the 5K race
The 11th Annual Costumes for Kids 5K & Halloween Fest brought energy, costumes, and community spirit to the Prescott Courthouse Plaza last Saturday, raising a record-breaking $21,268 for foster youth in Yavapai County.
Even with a smaller turnout than in the previous year, the event proved that heart matters more than numbers. More than 160 runners crossed the 5K finish line, and roughly 250 attendees filled the plaza with laughter, family fun, and community pride.
The morning’s 5K race saw a clean sweep by local youth runners from around the county. First place went to Jacob Spann of Chino Valley with a time of 21:04. Second place went to Gage Dart of Camp Verde, finishing just two seconds behind at 21:06, and third place went to 13-year-old Luke McCarty, crossing the line at 22:94.
“This event was so much fun,” said first-place winner Jacob Spann. “Even as a cross-country runner, this is the most challenging run I’ve been on. It was pretty brutal, but also one of the most fun races I’ve ever run.”
The event’s impact went far beyond the finish line. With 29 volunteers and 20 local businesses hosting game booths, the 5K and Halloween Fest showcased what Prescott does best: showing up for those who need the most help, specifically for local kids in foster care.
“We were expecting a higher turnout based on last year’s numbers, but we learned what worked and what didn’t marketing-wise,” said Mona Stephens, Development Director of the Yavapai CASA for Kids Foundation. “What makes this year so exciting is that even with fewer people, we raised more money than ever before in the event’s 11-year history. That tells us next year will be our best one yet.”
The plaza was filled with families, runners, and kids in costume enjoying raffles, games, costume contests, and Halloween fun; all to support the over 300 current and former foster youth in Yavapai County that Yavapai CASA for Kids Foundation serves.
Special thanks go to Sparklight, the event’s top sponsor, for making this year’s success possible. The foundation is also grateful to the other 27 sponsors who showed their support: Kiwanis of Prescott, Findlay GMC, Findlay Toyota, Allied Electric, Slater & Ruthersford, Prescott Times, Rox Media, AZ HomeTown Radio, Lonesome Valley Newspaper, Allegra Print, Wolf Creek Recovery, Fiscor Plumbling and Air, Sun Salutations, State Farm – Eric Strobel, Gilray Pediatric Therapy, Butler-Leavitt Insurance, Bent River Machine, NAZIT, Home Depot of Prescott, Raber & Mortenson Pediatric Dentistry, Dewey’s Plumbing, Fann Contracting, Inc., T-Shirt Antics, Staples, Valor Contracting, and Prevent Child Abuse Arizona.
The Foundation also extends gratitude to The Grumpy Sicilian, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Starbucks, Nackard Pepsi, and Sprouts for their generous food and drink contributions, along with every community supporter and volunteer who made the day possible.
Missed the fun? Don’t worry. The Costumes for Kids 5K & Halloween Fest is held annually on the Saturday before Halloween at the Prescott Courthouse Plaza from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Next year promises even more community fun, friendly competition, and support for local foster youth.
To learn how to get involved with the 2026 Costumes for Kids 5K and Halloween Fest, or to find out more about Yavapai CASA for Kids Foundation, visit YC4KF.org or email info@YavapaiCASAforKids.org.
