LEWISTON — United Way of Androscoggin County aims to help the Twin Cities get its spook on this month when it hosts its inaugural Run Like Hell 5K Fun Run & Costume Party on Friday, Oct. 24.

Runners and revelers alike are invited to make their way in costume through downtown Lewiston and Auburn as part of the special event to help raise money for the local umbrella organization that supports more than 20 agencies throughout Androscoggin County.

“We continue to look for ways to bring our community together to build awareness, provide education and build support,” said Matthew Shaw, director of campaign & marketing for United Way of Androscoggin County. “This year’s event will not be one to miss. It will be the prime Halloween event of the year.”

Run Like Hell is yet another avenue for the local United Way to help raise money and awareness for programs that the agency supports throughout the surrounding community. The event kicks off at the Franco American Heritage Center with the Tinpanic Steel Band performing prior to the 5K fun run and the cover band, Time Machine, performing at a costume party following the run.

Participants are encouraged to run in costume along the route that features all kinds of bumps in the nights – including special guest zombies from the movie, “How to Kill A Zombie,” shot in the Twin Cities. Halloween lovers need not participate in the run in order to attend the costume party.

“I am very excited to be participating in the inaugural Run Like Hell,” said Mike Barriault, one of dozens of runners already signed up for the event. “I would certainly not call myself a serious runner, but I see this as an opportunity to show support for our local United Way, their partner agencies and the people they serve here in Androscoggin County.”

Run Like Hell kicks off at 5:30 p.m. with the 5K Fun Run starting at 6:30 p.m. Registration is available online at www.unitedwayandro.org/RunLikeHellME and participants have the option of paying $5 per person to attend just the costume party or pay $25 per participant for the 5K Fun Run, including a ticket to the after party and an event race shirt. Participants are encouraged to wear costumes as there will be awards and prizes for “best dressed” and “most creative.”

For more information, contact Matt Shaw at 207-795-4000.