The seventh annual National Penn Bank Halloween 5K Race moved through Emmaus in advance of a heavy rain Oct. 19.

The race, part of Halloween festivities in the borough, attracted 401 runners, 371 of whom finished the race, including, interestingly, a 7-year-old runner. Wesley Barrett, one of the event organizers, noted a core group of about 25 percent of this year's competitors have run the race since its debut.

The Emmaus 5K race holds a unique distinction, according to Running Times magazine. The publication featured the race a few years back and found the Emmaus 5K to be "the only night-time Halloween costumed race in the country," Barrett said.

Cash prizes are awardCash prizes are awarded for the top three overall runners, male and female; top three runners in costume, and the three best costumes. Matt Gillette, 22, Ian Walsh, 27, and Terrence Miller, 20, respectively, finished in the top three slots for men. Kami Reinhard, 36, Flo Barnes, 34, and Karen Lehman, 45, took top honors for women. Gillette also set a course record, finishing in 15 minutes and 39 seconds, at a pace of close to 5 minutes per mile. Plus, Gillette ran the race in costume, Barrett said.

Registration was up 150 runners from 2012. Reinhard topped 190 women. Gillette competed in a field of 181 men.The higher number of registered participants means more registration fees. And fees and sponsorships help raise money to benefit departments throughout the borough including the parks department, the entertainment commission and the Emmaus Halloween Parade.

"We hope to give about $4,000 to the parade," Barrett said.