The Pocono Mountains Run for the Red is an annual marathon and 5k road race in which the profits are given to the American Red Cross of Monroe County to be used 100% towards disaster relief in Monroe County.

This is the third year running(pun intended) and the race will fall on May 4th, 2008.  If you are a runner the race is an official Boston Marathon qualifer.  If you’re not a runner but would still like to help they are always looking to volunteers to help out not only on race day but throughout the year as well. 

If you are visiting the Poconos that weekend or even if you just live in the area you should really take note as to what roads the course runs on.  It covers a large area that can be seen on this map: http://www.poconomarathon.org/coursemap.html  From what I remember of last years race the roads they use are completely CLOSED so you will want to find alternate routes in advance - especially if you know you have somewhere to go so be sure to add a detour to your travel time.

The event overall is great for both the runners and the community as well, so keep your eye out on the 4th if you’re not a runner to see a great cause at work.   http://www.poconomarathon.org

If you’re looking for fall fun in the Poconos look no further then Klingel’s Farm and Mazezilla - it is a must for all ages.  My husband and I attended our sons field trip there this past Monday and everyone had tons of fun.  When you arrive the Farm stand is directly next to the parking lot with all kinds of fresh produce and wide variety of affordable fall products.  I will have to take better notes next time but off the top of my head I believe the hay bales were $5 each and mums were 3 for $10.  Great prices and EXCELLENT quality! 

Shortly after we arrived we boarded a tractor that took us over to the Mazezilla section, it took a loop around the pumpkin fields showing off the large amount of available pumpkins and really getting the kids excited.  When we arrived the kids set loose and had a ton of fun doing activities that they don’t get the chance to do on a daily basis.  A few favorites of my son were they hay bales to jump on, a mini corral with bikes, pipe slides, and a sandbox filled with corn.  My personal favorite was seeing the mini horse, they are just too cute!

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