Best Halloween Races to Celebrate Spooky Season
Photos by Marques Jackson Photography.
By Marnie Kunz,
Certified trainer and run coach
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 this October. 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. I've broken down the races by distance, from 5K to half marathon. Note that some of the races have several distance options so they may fall into the 5K and 10K categories.
Related Post: 25 Best Running Costume Ideas
Best Halloween Races in the U.S.
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. Participants can explore the long-abandoned island with a shadowy past that includes military executions, accidents, tragedies, and mass graves that will keep you running fast.
Come to the start line with your best Halloween running costume to make the most of this fun Halloween race series. The race is over two days, with the 10K on Saturday and the 5K on Sunday. You can indulge in come candy and sweet treats after the finish.
Traverse City, Michigan
Zombie fans won’t want to miss the annual Traverse City Zombie 5K Run, where runners of all levels can outrun the zombie apocalpyse. The 5K themed zombie fun run includes zombie costume contests, shirts, beer for over-21 participants, medals, music, and more.
St. Louis, Missouri
The Great Go! St. Louis Halloween race is a Halloween tradition with costumes and race distances for everyone - incuding 5K, 10K, half marathon, and 1-mile fun run options. Pet lovers can also dress up their dogs for the Saturday Great PUPkin Run! The 5K and 1-mile fun run also kick off on Saturday, while Sunday includes the 10K and half marathon. Post-race treats, a Puppy Costume Contest, and Schlafly Beer for over 21-participants round out the Halloween festivities.
Related Post: Best Dog Halloween Costumes
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. There are also face painters on race day to help you get into the spooky spirit.
Halloween 10K Races
Sleepy Hollow, New York
Sleepy Hollow, New York, is home to Washington Irving’s legendary gothic tale with the Headless Horseman, the Ichabod Crane Bridge, the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, and more. The Sleepy Hollow Halloween 10K race attracts more than 1,400 runners from all over the country. Many come to run in costume, and others run to take in the beautiful neighborhoods and run along the Hudson River.
Dressing up makes Halloween races more fun.
The legendary 10K race was voted one of the best Halloween 10Ks in the country by Runners World Magazine. Everything from the Halloween-inspired race shirts to the age group medals and the post-race food and festivities are all about celebrating Halloween in Sleepy Hollow. Even the Kids Fun Run finisher medals have pumpkins on them. The Headless Horseman helps with the start of the race and can be seen again at mile 2. There is music throughout the course for runners to enjoy. Many members of the community come out to cheer for the runners and admire the creative costumes.
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. The race includes overall awards for first through third male and female finishers and award ribbons for the top three in each age division. With local businesses supporting the event, it's a must-run Halloween race in Vegas.
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.
Virtual Halloween Run
For a chilling virtual 5K, 10K, or half marathon, check out the Snoopy’s Spooky 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon virtual races. Get a Snoopy Spooky race bib, special Peanuts Halloween medal, and plot your own spook-tacular route for this fun Halloween run.
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.
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.😊
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Marnie Kunz is a NASM-certified trainer and USATF- and RRCA-certified running coach, a dog lover, an Akita mom, and the founder of Runstreet. She specializes in helping runners get faster and stronger and helping beginners elevate their fitness levels. She is based in Brooklyn, New York.
