The Silverado is the truck that works as hard as you do.
Exercise is important year-round, but it’s most fun this time of year. Why, you ask? Because while you can run a 5K in the summer and be showered with powdered chalk at the finish line, you can instead run a 5K in October dressed as a pirate or a sexy whatever.
Additionally, Halloween is when the eating season officially starts—trick-or-treat candy is soon followed by turkey and holiday cookies. Thus, it would be in your best interest to start fighting the pudge early. There’s still time to sign up for the following Halloween-themed races, so grab a costume and get running!
Saturday, October 19
The Wolf Lake 5K Run/Walk will be held at Hamburg Fitness Center & Camp in Brighton. Participants can register as individuals ($20 in advance, $25 day of), couples ($35 in advance, $40 day of), or families ($50 in advance, $60 day of). In addition to the race itself, there will be a costume contest, bonfire, refreshments and more. This family-friendly race kicks off at 4 p.m. and is the perfect opportunity to get outdoors and have some fun!
The Muddy Watters Fall Cider Slam will take place at Bloomer Park in Rochester Hills and features a 4-mile trail, part of which runs through a haunted forest and a river! To keep runners motivated, there will be a few cider and donut stations along the way. Runners are encouraged to wear costumes, and post-race activities include an award ceremony, food and more. Participation costs $20 to $40, depending on when you register, and an extra $10 for a t-shirt. The race begins at 9:30 a.m.
Saturday, October 26
The Scare Away Hunger 5K Run/Walk will take place in downtown Rochester. Proceeds from the event will be donated to the Rochester Area Neighborhood House, an organization that provides food and clothing to those in need. The race begins at 10 a.m. and registration costs $20 to $30, depending on when you register. If you’re not a runner, you can still take part in free activities from 9 a.m. to noon, including a pumpkin-rolling contest, face painting, scavenger hunt and more!
The Halloween Hustle is a zombie-fied 5K run/walk and 10K run that will take place at Stoney Creek Metropark in Shelby Township. The fun will begin with a costume contest at 9:30 a.m., and the races kick off at 10 a.m. This is a dog and stroller friendly race, so it’s a great way to spend an afternoon with the entire family! Registration costs $12 to $35 depending on when you register, and proceeds will be donated to several local organizations, including the Macomb County Food Bank, Macomb Charitable Foundation and 4 Paws 1 Heart. Prizes will be awarded to the best individual costume, as well as child, team and dog costumes, so get creative!
The Galluping Ghouls 5K Run/Walk will take place in Ann Arbor’s Gallup Park. Sponsored by the Ann Arbor Jaycees, the event will also feature a kids dash, costume contest, DJ, and Halloween games. Pre-registration costs $25 and includes a race t-shirt. All proceeds go directly to the Ann Arbor Jaycees, and will be put back into the community with future events like the Easter Egg Scramble.
The Run Like Hell Halloween 5K is different than most others—it takes place at night! The race begins at The Loving Touch in Ferndale at 7:45 p.m. and benefits the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. For $35, you’ll get to take part in the race, admission to the after party, food, entertainment, and a drink ticket. If you’d like to attend the after-party only, a ticket costs $20 and includes a drink ticket, food and prize raffles. This event is geared more toward the adult crowd as opposed to families, as you have to be 21 or over to attend the post-race party.
Sunday, October 27
The Wicked Halloween Run takes place at Kellogg Park in downtown Plymouth and is the largest Halloween run in the state! It features four different races: a 10K, 5K, run/walk and Monster Mile. Registration costs $25 to $50 depending on the race, and donations can be made directly to the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute on the race’s official website. Additionally, the run will feature a costume contest, entertainment, Monster Mash Party and more!
The Run Thru Hell Halloween at Hell Creek Ranch in Pinckney features three races: an 8K, 5K or 1 mile run. Participation costs $10 to $30 depending on the race, and includes an official race t-shirt. Prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers in each division, as well as anyone who breaks previous course records. Proceeds will benefit two different charities: The Michigan National MS Society and Brian Thomas Cancer Beat-Down. The first race kicks off at 9 a.m.
Whether you’re a serious runner or just looking to spend some quality time with the family, all of the Halloween-themed races above are a great way to get off the couch and get moving. Good luck!
