T-L Photo/ ROBERT A. DEFRANK

THE OHIO Valley Mall hosts the Monsters in the Mall 5K on Saturday, where participants were invited to run in costume to raise money for Coats for Kids at Belmont, Ohio, Brooke and Marshall County Salvation Army sites. More than 50 pre-registered, with almost 100 expected in total. Registration fees were $25 per person and the event had raised more than $1,000 before 9 a.m. Sponsors included Whiteside, Anytime Fitness, iHeart Media, the Cumberland Trail Fire District, the Belmont County Sheriff’s Department, and United Way. This was the first such event hosted by the mall. The event was held despite the threat of rain, beginning outside the mall and concluding at the rear entrance. Costumes were not required, but there may be added incentives to dress for the season next year. Pictured are Holly Ackerman of Martins Ferry, from left, Barbara McFarland of Bellaire, and Josie Hancock of Martins Ferry prepare to run.