On Halloween, the ghouls and goblins will be out before dawn running on the New Mexico State University campus. Underneath the masks and makeup, cadets from NMSU's Army and Air Force ROTC will be hustling in an annual event aimed at fighting hunger.

The ROTC is inviting the public to don a costume, bring a canned-food item and run along with cadets in the 1.5-mile run scheduled for 6 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 31, at the NMSU Activity Center. Collected cans will benefit the Las Cruces Gospel Rescue Mission, a local homeless shelter.

"The Halloween Food Run is a fun way to help our community over the holiday season while maintaining fitness," said NMSU Army ROTC Commander Lt. Col. Andrew Taylor. "Besides, the costumes are incredibly creative."

For more than 10 years, the College of Arts and Sciences' Army and Air Force ROTC has organized the annual run, collecting more than 600 cans of non-perishable food items each year.

Registration is not required for the run, and prizes will be awarded to the best costumes. For more information contact NMSU's Army ROTC at 575-646-4030.

"It is an incredible honor to be a part of dedicated professionals who selflessly give of themselves to better their community," Taylor said. "Our challenge to the NMSU community is to come out and join us, and make this the best year yet."