Haunted Hustle Brings Halloween To The Streets Of Newtown (Photos)

NEWTOWN BOROUGH, PA — With a spine-tingling chill in the air, the second annual Haunted Hustle 5K hit the ghostly streets of Newtown Borough Saturday morning for the benefit of the NR2F1 Foundation.

More than 400 took part in this year's race, which wound its way through the quiet, tree-lined streets of Newtown Borough on a beautiful fall morning.

The first to cross the finish line at the Chancellor Center was an 11-year-old girl from Jim Thorpe.

Anna Cunningham, the race’s reigning champion, finished with a time of 20:32, earning her a first place finish overall and the first female finisher award.

Finishing the race on her heels was the top male finisher, Joe Pellegrino from Yardley.

“I couldn’t believe it. She went out fast. I didn’t think she’d keep it up, but she did," he said.

As for Pellegrino, this was the first time he posted a first place win. He had previously won in his age group category, but never overall male.

Anna Cunningham of Jim Thorpe, the first overall finisher, and Joe Pellegrino of Yardley, first male finisher.

(Jeff Werner/Patch)

(Jeff Werner/Patch)

Frankenstein, portrayed by Chancellor Street resident Eric Nicholl, towers over the crowd. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

(Jeff Werner/Patch)

Three pickles working to "ketchup" with the head of the pack, who were hot dogging it to the finish line. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

Ready to hot dog it to the finish line. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

The McNeely Clan as the "101 Dalmations." (Jeff Werner/Patch)

Portraying Sumo wrestlers are Tim Baltz and Wendy Fratrik of Doylestown. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

Longtime resident Jen Nicholl was thrilled to see the turn out for the second Haunted Hustle.

“We basically increased this year’s race by 100,” she said.

One family alone - the McNeely clan - brought 68 members, including two who are fighting the disease. Dressed up as the 101 Dalmatians, the family stood out from the crowd of participants. They also won for best costume in the group category.

“They are incredible,” said Nicholl, who was also impressed by Anna Cunningham, this year’s repeat winner. “She’s like lightning. She’s pretty impressive.”

Nicholl introduced the Haunted Hustle to last year’s Halloween lineup as a fundraiser for the nonprofit NR2F1 Foundation.

“I wanted to have a 5K fundraiser that wasn’t just a fundraiser, but a fun event,” said Nicholl who sits on the board of the NR2F1 Foundation. “I also adore my town and I wanted to tie in a fun event. So I settled on a Halloween event because people in Newtown love their town and they love Halloween.”

To add to the fun, Nicholl encouraged everyone to come to the event dressed in their spookiest Halloween gear and costumes.

Making a ghostly appearance. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

(Jeff Werner/Patch)

Giving out Squishmallows. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

Welcoming the runners at the finish line. (Jeff Werner/Patch)