DHS Cross Country team turning Foscue Park into ‘Trail of Terror’

Those who enjoy a nice brisk run through a haunted forest are in for a treat, and some tricks, as the Demopolis High School Cross Country team prepares for its second Tombigbee Trail of Terrors 5K and Fun Run.

The team held its first Trail of Terrors in 2016 and hopes are this year’s event will be even bigger and scarier as the mayhem descends on Foscue Park on Oct. 28.

Things get started with a 1.5-mile fun run at 5:30 p.m. with the 5K to follow. The trail starts at the Lower Pool of Foscue Creek Park. For those participating in the fun run, a hayride will bring the runners back to the finish line.

DHS Cross Country Coach Deborah Boykin said her team is excited to bring back the Trail of Terrors after being a big hit a year ago.

“The kids couldn’t wait to do it again,” Boykin said. “They really enjoy getting things ready and seeing their family and friends participate.”

The run is made possible with permission from the Corps of Engineers, which oversees Foscue Park.

“The Corps of Engineers are great hosts and we are very grateful. They’ve embraced this event and really enjoy seeing the community use the park,” Boykin said.

Another feature for this year’s run will be 100-pound pumpkins grown by David Freeman and made available to the cross country team through the assistance of Woody Collins and Barbara Blevins.

To enter the Trail of Terrors, a $20 donation is requested which helps the Cross Country team with expenses such as entry fees, transportation, and overnight travel for state competition.

This marks the fourth season for DHS Cross Country and Boykin has led the team since its inception.

“We have a great group of kids at all levels of ability. Some are running a 19-minute 5K while others are doing it to live a healthier lifestyle.

The current team began their season in August and, after Saturday’s event at Sportsplex, will travel to sectionals in Loxley, Alabama on Nov. 2. State competition will be held in Moulton the following week.

“This is one of our best years yet, especially for our boys’ team. Our numbers are up and there seems to be more interest in cross country,” Boykin said.

To participate in the Trail of Terrors 5K, runners can preregister at demopolisrunners.com until Oct. 26. Registration on the day of the event will be held from 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. for both races.

Following the races, guests are invited to stay for awards to be presented for various age groups. There will be snacks and a bonfire following the 5K.

(This article originally appeared in the Saturday, October 21st edition of the Demopolis Times.)