7 Halloween Races You Don’t Want to Miss

This spooky holiday is now in full swing and what better way to celebrate than to don your best costume and burn off some extra calories before the sweets consumption is in full swing.  According to a recent Running USA survey, Halloween is now the second most popular running holiday behind Thanksgiving. We’ve corralled a few of our favorite Halloween races below. So get out there and join in on the festive fun while clocking in your miles!

Sleepy Hollow Halloween 10K

Where: Sleepy Hollow, New York
When: October 28, 2017

Get in the spirit by running through some of America’s spookiest folklore spots. The course has a stretch along the Hudson River with views of the Headless Horseman Bridge, the Old Dutch Church and the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, which is where you’ll the graves of both Andrew Carnegie and William Rockefeller. Costumes are encouraged and runners 21 and up will be privy to a beer tasting after the race. Bring your whole family out for some festive fun at the Kid’s Costume Fun Run before the 10K.

Devil’s Chase 6.66 Miler & Creepy Clown 3.33 Miler

Where: Salem, Massachusetts
When: October 28, 2017

For the ninth year in a row over 1,000 runners clad in capes, horns and pitchforks will run 6.66 miles through the spooky streets of Salem which is described as the Halloween capital of the world. This year organizers added a 3.33 mile race so everyone can take part in the fun. Runners will pass the Salem Common, Derby Wharf,  the House of Seven Gables and reportedly haunted houses. Costume prizes will be awarded to the 30 best dressed devils.

Halloween Half Marathon Series

Where: Miami Beach, Florida – Atlanta, Georgia – Fayetteville, North Carolina
When: October 28-29, 2017

With a tag line like “Trick or treat who has the fastest feet”, how could you not want to get in a few extra miles before the candy consumption kicks in? This festive half marathon series has races in Miami Beach, Atlanta, and Fayetteville, North Carolina.  Dressing in your favorite Halloween costume will give you the extra boost you need to clock all 13 miles. Plus finishers will receive a collectable spooky-themed medal.

Boxer BOOgie 5K

Where: San Antonio, Texas
When: October 29, 2017

This 5k and 3K race is just as much for your pups as it is for the runners. Dogs will receive their own race bibs and compete in a dog-only costume contest. Your four legged friend can go trick-or-treating at vendor booths, get a special Halloween photo taken, win prizes and sample refreshments after the race. All proceeds will go to the Alamo Boxer Rescue so you can feel good about indulging your pooch.

Halloween Monster Dash

Where: Fayetteville, Arkansas
When: October 29, 2017

Your whole family can participate in this race– even your four legged friends! Costumes are just as important as your finishing time. Awards will be given out to runners with the scariest, most creative and wildest costumes. Owners and pets can win for most creative. Plus, there will be candy stations all along the route so you can stock up on your favorite sweets and throw them into your complimentary Monster Dash candy bag.

United Airlines Rock ‘n’ Roll Los Angeles Half Marathon

Where: Los Angeles, California
When: October 29, 2017

Who wouldn’t want to run in the world’s largest Halloween half-marathon? The Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon and Stan Lee’s L.A. Comic Con teamed up to give superhero lovers a weekend they won’t soon forget. Attend the L.A. Comic Con on Friday or Saturday and get your steps in on Sunday at the half-marathon or 5K race. You’ll earn a special edition Super Hero Challenge medal for rockin’ all weekend long. Runners are encouraged to come decked out as their favorite super heroes.

The Great Pumpkin Haul

Where: Littleton, Colorado
When: October 28, 2017

We saved the best for last… and it’s not because you can easily set a personal record. Participants will embark on a two mile jaunt through open fields, forests, over creeks, hay bales and through scenic botanic gardens.  But there’s a catch. Runners will be carrying their own pumpkins across the entire course. Before the “haul” everyone picks a pumpkin, included with the entry fee, and is their’s to keep after the race. Awards will be doled out for Toughest Pumpkin (heaviest pumpkin carried across the course), Pumpkin Hauler Baller (for those brave enough to take on two pumpkins solo), largest group award and, of course, best individual and group costume.