Costume Crawl for PAILA Month

The Costume Crawl for PAILA Month returns to Beach Lake, Pennsylvania on October 31st, offering a poignant blend of community spirit and remembrance along the trails of Van Scott Nature Reserve. This year’s event is part of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month (PAILA), raising awareness through participation in a fun-filled five-kilometer trail run/walk or meditation walk/story walk. The day begins with an early morning registration from 8:30 to 9:30 AM, setting the stage for a festive yet reflective journey that celebrates life and honors loss.
As runners lace up their shoes on this crisp October morning, they are greeted by the serene landscape of Beach Lake’s Van Scott Nature Reserve. The autumn air carries hints of woodsmoke from nearby chimneys as leaves crunch beneath feet along well-trodden trails. A sense of community pervades the atmosphere, with participants adorned in creative costumes that range from whimsical to deeply personal, each telling a story or paying tribute to loved ones who have passed on. The event grounds themselves are nestled within the Delaware Highlands Conservancy, offering a backdrop of rolling hills and dense forests.
This is not just any run; it’s an annual tradition steeped in meaning for those facing life after loss. Since its inception, this unique gathering has brought together hundreds of individuals from across Beach Lake to share stories, offer support, and remember their little ones who have “run off ahead.” Participants range from seasoned runners embracing the challenge with a sense of purpose to families with young children participating virtually or through activities tailored for different age groups. Each year sees a growing number of registrants eager to contribute to this cause while enjoying an engaging community event.
The course itself winds its way around Van Scott Nature Reserve, featuring firm yet slightly soft trails that offer both comfort and challenge. The route is marked with clear signage and includes water stations at strategic points along the 3.1-mile stretch, ensuring participants can stay hydrated throughout their run or walk. Additional amenities like a first aid station are strategically placed to provide support if needed. Runners will also encounter several themed areas where they can participate in activities such as a nature scavenger hunt or a mindfulness walk with stations designed for reflection.
On the day of the event, temperatures hover around 12 degrees Celsius on average, though conditions could range from chilly early mornings down into single digits to more mild afternoons peaking at about 17 degrees. While there’s typically little chance of significant rain (only an estimated 1.8mm), runners should be prepared for winds blowing in from the north at around 10 kilometers per hour, making layers a wise choice. The trail conditions remain firm and slightly soft underfoot, inviting participants to engage with nature without worrying too much about mud or slippery surfaces.

The registration process is straightforward but swift; interested runners should visit https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/BeachLake/CostumedCreatureCrawl5KTrailRunWalk to secure their spot. Early registrants who sign up by September 15th, 2026, can guarantee a size in the commemorative T-shirt and medals available for the first fifty participants. Bib pickup occurs on race day from 8:30 AM until start time at Van Scott Nature Reserve (VSNR), Delaware Highlands Conservancy located off Route 971, Beach Lake PA 18405. Participants should bring a photo ID along with any required payment.
All runners and walkers will convene for the opening ceremony near the starting line just before 10 AM sharp, where they’ll receive final instructions from race officials. The start location address is Van Scott Nature Reserve (VSNR) - Delaware Highlands Conservancy, located off Route 971 in Beach Lake PA 18405. For those under eighteen years old participating with parental consent or younger children joining as crawlers, make sure to confirm age requirements and any additional guidance provided by the organizers.
The Costume Crawl for PAILA Month on October 31st at Van Scott Nature Reserve not only invites participants into a community of support but also offers a chance to honor loved ones through action. Whether you’re running with purpose or walking in remembrance, this event is an opportunity to connect deeply with the spirit of Beach Lake and its residents who gather annually for such meaningful causes.