Haunting Halloween Runs Sure to Get Your Heart Racing

Written by
Nikki Chavanelle
If you’re having difficulty conjuring up an excuse to get costumed this Halloween, these races offer plenty of opportunity for tricks and treats.
Dreambank Haunted Hustle
October 27, 2019 in Middleton, Wisconsin
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If you've never tackled a big race in a Halloween costume, the Dreambank Haunted Hustle is the perfect opportunity. This event offers a 5K, 10K, and half marathon as well as quarter, half and one mile kids' races. Even new parents can join in the haunted fun in the 5K Stroller Derby. The two-day event kicks off with the family friendly events on Saturday including live music, s'mores and a costume contest followed by the long distance events on Sunday.

Take it up a notch and register for the Spooky Duo, a combo of the 5K and 10K or 5K and half marathon, and receive a special finisher medal and commemorative half zip.
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Wicked Wine Run Nashville
October 19, 2019 in Wheaton, Illinois
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If you're 21 or older, get your costume on and get ready to run to the wine at sunset! Race through woodland trails and fields in the heart of Tennessee, just 12 minutes outside of downtown Nashville. There's nothing better than some fine finish line wine with friends, so sign up for the 5K wicked run or the 1K wicked wine tasting walk with four wine tasting stations—or sign up for both!
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Great Pumpkin Chase: 10K, 5K and Kids K
October 26, 2019 in Albuquerque, New Mexico
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In its 14th year, the race runs through the heart of the historic Albuquerque Country Club neighborhood. Participants are encouraged to wear costumes, for which awards will be issued for the best, as voted on by the race director and other employees (Tip: Be original!).
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Miami Beach Halloween Half Marathon & Freaky 4-Miler
October 26, 2019 in Miami, Florida
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Race organizers for this event say that a costume isn't mandatory, but having fun is a must (though, to be fair, a costume probably helps with the latter!). Each year, the race is organized around a different Halloween-based character, like bats, vampires, skeletons, zombies, etc., with race t-shirts and medals all incorporating that year's design. Participants eagerly await the design unveiling each year. What does this year have in store?
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Carrera de los Muertos
October 26, 2019 in Los Angeles, California
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The 'Day of the Dead' race isn't about zombies, nor is it a Halloween race. The Carrera de los Muertos focuses on celebrating the memories of loved ones who have passed on. Traditions include skull face paint, decorated altars, candles and other memorabilia—all that and more will be present at this race in Los Angeles, Phoenix and San Diego (as well as a virtual race) over Halloween weekend.
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Spooktacular 5K & Monster Mile
October 25, 2019 in Huntsville, Alabama
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Think of this as a costume contest, with running—with awards handed out for best costume and race placement. So, if your feet are fleet and your costume is on fleek, you have the opportunity to sweep the podium. This race is chip-timed, so get out there and allow yourself to get scared into a PR.
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Atlanta Halloween Half Marathon & 5K event
October 27, 2019 in Atlanta
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This event is more about fun than anything else. And as one of the few half marathons on our list of Halloween runs, it is bound to offer the most fun per mile—all 13.1 of it. The event is moving from nearby Cumming to the heart of the city, so this year's race should be an especially good time. Running is more fun with costumed friends, so take advantage of the registration option for teams of four or more.
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Florida Halloween Distance Classic
October 27, 2019 in St. Petersburg, Florida
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As if the costumed participants won't be enough to gawk at, this race takes place in Fort De Soto Park, which was named "America's Top Beach" by TripAdvisor, boasting of the beach's soft white sand, clear water and laid-back atmosphere. All kinds of post-race offerings await runners at the finish line, where the party will be just beginning.
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Terrifying 10-Miler & Halloween 5K, 10K and Kids Run
October 27, 2019 in Dana Point, California
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Race organizers promise you'll have a "howling" good time at this race, where they've gone all out for a fun run along the Salt Creek Regional Corridor Path. Views of wilderness areas, beach and scares await participants. The race caps at 1,000 participants, so don't procrastinate, because nothing is scarier than trying to sign up for a race that's full.
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About the Author

Nikki Chavanelle ACTIVE.com Editor
Nikki Chavanelle is one of ACTIVE's Fitness and Nutrition editors. As a former intramural rock star at SMU and current sports junkie, Nikki claims she peaked in college. Follow Nikki on Twitter for fitness and sports chatter.