Best Halloween Races to Celebrate Spooky Season
Photos by Marques Jackson Photography.
By Marnie Kunz
The best Halloween races will help you get in the spirit of the spooky season while logging some miles. Whether you like to dress up or need a new race goal, these Halloween runs will have you glowing. Halloween races are happening around the world, and what better excuse to dress up and earn a ghoulishly dope medal? From creepy 5Ks to haunted half marathons, here are my top picks for the best Halloween races. Note that some of the races have several distance options so they may fall into the 5K and 10K categories, for instance.
Related Post: 25 Best Running Costume Ideas
Best Halloween Races in the U.S.
Can you outrun Michael Myers?
Halloween 5K Races
New York City
For NYC area runners, the NYC Runs Haunted Island 5K and 10K explore the spooky side of Governors Island to celebrate Halloween. The long-abandoned island includes a shadowy past, with military executions, accidents, tragedies, and mass graves that will keep you running fast. Celebrate by donning your Halloween costume and enjoying sweet treats after the race.
Traverse City, Michigan
Zombie fans won’t want to miss the annual Traverse City Zombie 5K Run, where there are zombie costume contests, shirts, beer, medals, music, and more, all in the name of zombies.
St. Louis, Missouri
The Great Go! St. Louis Halloween race is a Halloween tradition with costumes and 5K, 10K, and 1-mile fun run options.
Los Angeles, California
Celebrate the Day of the Dead in Los Angeles at the Los Muertos 5K. Join the 5k run/walk and tour historic Olvera Street and enjoy music along the course, special Day of the Dead finisher medals, and a post-race Dia de los Muertos celebration.
Halloween 10K Races
Sleepy Hollow, New York
The Sleepy Hollow Halloween 10K is an annual Halloween tradition that also offers a kids’ race for plenty of chills for the whole family at the original haunting grounds of Washington Irving’s legendary gothic tale of the Headless Horseman, in Sleepy Hollow, New York.
Related Post: 21 Spooky Spots to See in Haunted New York
Las Vegas, Nevada
The Hallowrock 1-Mile, 5K, and 10K has a Halloween celebration in Vegas, with music, costume contests, tech shirts, medals, and trick or treating at the aid stations.
Salem, Massachusetts
The Devils Chase 6.66 and Creepy Clown 3.33-mile races may be a little over traditional 5K and 10K distances, but you’ll be so scared you won’t notice at this longstanding Halloween race in one of America’s spookiest places. Run like hell and dress up like the devilish character of your choice for one of the best Halloween races in the country.
Halloween Half Marathons
If long distance is more your speed, check out some of these Halloween half marathons, sure to get your inner ghoul screaming:
Minneapolis, Minnesota
The Minneapolis Halloween 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon feature creative Halloween medals with the state’s outline, Halloween tech tees, and the flexibility to choose your distance. Wear your best Halloween running costume (or throw one together!) and come out for some festive Halloween miles.
Atlanta, Georgia
The Atlanta Halloween Half Marathon & 5K celebrates Halloween in Midtown Atlanta’s popular Piedmont Park. The run includes costumes and special edition Halloween-themed medals for all finishers.
Virtual Halloween Runs
For a chilling virtual 5K, 10K, or half marathon, check out the Halloween Thriller 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon complete with fun Thriller-themed shirts and medals for those who dare enter.
Family-Friendly Halloween Races
Salem, Massachusetts
Join the YMCA’s Witch City 5K for family fun in one of the oldest haunting grounds - Salem, Massachusetts. Wear your Halloween costume and join the ghosts and ghouls for this fun community event that has medals and race place awards for kids and adults.
Portland, Oregon
The Run Like Hell Halloween Fun Run has a 5K, 10K, half marathon, and kids race for the whole family to enjoy a day of running, costumes, live music, food, and drinks.
Boise, Idaho
The YMCA Halloween Monster Mile and Freaky 5K in Boise, Idaho, offers a beginner, family-friendly 1-mile run option as well as a 5K Halloween race. Break out your best Halloween costume for this one, as there will be lots of celebrating, as well as Halloween medals and swag.
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Do you have a favorite Halloween race we forgot? Comment below and tag @Runstreet on Instagram to share your fave spooky races. And don’t forget to sign up for the Runstreet Wellness Wednesday newsletter for more race announcements, running deals, and training tips to help you enjoy your runs more.😊
Related Posts: America’s Most Haunted Places to Run, 21 Haunted Places to See in New York State, Guide to Haunted Brooklyn
Marnie Kunz is a NASM-certified trainer and USATF- and RRCA-certified running coach, dog lover, Akita mom, and writer based in Brooklyn, NY.
