show / hide sidebar
Blog
Haunting Halloween Fun Runs
Whether you are looking for something costume themed or zombie themed — you shouldn’t have much trouble finding a good running event to help you celebrate Halloween. And with Halloween falling on a Saturday this year you’ll be able to take full advantage of the day. Or, depending on what type of fun you are looking for, you’ll be able to take full advantage of the night.
In the time we spent digging around the Internet looking for races — we found some that take place during the daylight hours and some that take place after dark. We also found that Halloween themed races take place in a wide variety of locations including cities, rural areas, in the woods, and even in graveyards. We also found an event in Colorado that has you carrying a pumpkin over a 2-mile course. That event is appropriately dubbed The Great Pumpkin Haul. Carrying a pumpkin over a 2-mile course will likely hurt any chances of a PR so if that is part of the fun you are after — we suggest you go for something zombie themed. After all, having a horde of zombies chase you may help you pick up the pace.
Those not interested in carrying pumpkins or running from zombies should look for the more standard costumed event. You’ll likely find these costume themed runs to be lots of fun. You not only get to dress up, but you get to see what your fellow runners have opted to wear for the event. And very likely — there will be awards not only for finishing the race, but for the best dressed. The costume options are seemingly endless, however some ideas (shameless plug coming up) can be found in the “Costumes, Tutus & Tiaras” section of the Milestones Sports Jewelry & Apparel website. What follows are a few of the most interesting Halloween themed races we could find.
We realize some, or possibly all of these races will be far from where you live so we encourage you to do a bit of searching on your own. Along with checking the larger race sites such as Active, you should look within your local community. Local running groups, runner friends, and even a local community/recreation center could have some top suggestions. But as Halloween themed runs seem to be on the increase we’re fairly certain you will not have much trouble finding an event close to where you live. And if all else fails in terms of finding an organized local event — you can always participate virtually. Races such as the Florida Halloween Virtual Runs can be quite a bit of fun. Whether run by yourself, or recruit a few friends to run with you — just make sure to have fun and run those miles in costume.
The Great Pumpkin Haul, October 24, 2015 in Littleton, Colorado
“The Great Pumpkin Haul is a 2 mile jaunt through forests, open fields, over creeks, hay bales, and through the scenic Botanic Gardens. There is a catch though: you will be covering these two miles carrying your very own personal pumpkin!”
Great Pumpkin Haul runners will get their pick from Chatfield’s pumpkin patch. The pumpkin will be weighed and marked and then carried over that 2-mile “jaunt.” And if you aren’t up to carrying a pumpkin on your own, take some comfort in knowing there are also 2 person and 4 person options available at registration. Sounds like quite a bit of fun, and just in case you need any extra encouragement, the pumpkin, regardless of size and weight, is included with race registration. -You can find more about this race on the The Great Pumpkin Haul website. Haunted Glen 5k and 10k, October 30, 2015 in Willow Glen, San Jose, California
-You can find more about this race on the The Great Pumpkin Haul website.
The Haunted Glen is another event that offers individual and team registration options. This event allows for teams that include up to 5 people. Runners will be taken on an “adventure through the wickedly decorated neighborhoods of San Jose’s famed Willow Glen neighborhood.” Costumes are encouraged, and runners will be completing a series of 25 checkpoints for the 5k and 40 checkpoints for the 10k. The Haunted Glen 5k and 10k takes place after dark so carrying a flashlight is suggested.
-You can find more about this race on the Haunted Glen 5k and 10k website.
NYCRUNS Haunted Island 5k and 10k, October 31, 2015 in Roosevelt Island, New York
“Rumor has it that Roosevelt Island has been overrun by all manner of scary things”
With options for a 5k or 10k distance, the Haunted Island race promises “one of a kind views of Manhattan, Queens, and beyond.” Runners are also encouraged to stick around for the Halloween themed post race party which includes a live band.
-You can find more about this race on the NYCRUNS Haunted Island 5k and 10k website.
Zombie Run Atlanta, October 31, 2015 in Atlanta, Georgia
“The setting is Piedmont Park. It’s the last known place on the planet that has uninfected humans. The rest of the World has been taken by the apocalypse, including your military and the majority of the CDC right down the street. You have last known safe zone in your entire city and it is right across Charles Allen Drive. There is an alleged 3.1 mile trail from base camp to Charles Allen Drive.”
The Zombie Run Atlanta is a nighttime event with a start time of 7:30 PM. The course promises wall climbs, infected mazes, chainsaw massacres and of course — zombies. Those who make it to the finish line without being infected will receive a “Survivor” medal and those who aren’t able to avoid the zombies along the course will receive an “Infected” medal.
-You can find more about this race on the Zombie Run Atlanta website.
Devils Chase 6.66 Miler, October 31, 2015 in Salem, Massachusetts
The Devils Chase 6.66 Mile Run claims to be one of the “top nine costume runs in the world.” The organizer touts how nearly 98 percent of runners show up in costume — with the majority being devil themed.
“The Devils Chase in its 7th year now attracts more than 1000 Devils donning their favorite horns with pitchforks in hand for a scenic 6.66 mile race past a variety of Salem's well known landmarks including the Salem Common, Peabody Essex Museum, a Real Haunted House, the Custom House, Salem's Derby Wharf, the House of Seven Gables and more.”
-You can find more about this race on the Devils Chase 6.66 Miler website.
With us encouraging you to look local for your Halloween fun, we’ll conclude our list with a Florida based event, the Florida Halloween Halfathon and 5k Race which is scheduled for October 31, 2015. This event takes place at Ft. De Soto Park and has options for a 13.1 mile distance and a 5k distance. You can find out more about the Florida Halloween Halfathon and 5k Race by visiting the Florida Halloween Halfathon website.
If you aren’t planning on running, consider getting involved on the volunteer side. Volunteering at a race can be a really fun experience — especially if you are the person always on the running side. It feels good to give back, and also to see the smiles on the runners faces as you hand them a snack, a cup of water, or best yet — the finishers medal they receive after crossing the finish line.