
Haunted Halloween Half Marathon & 5km
Chicago's Haunted Halloween Half Marathon offers a festive fall run with costumes and lakefront charm.
Race Date
Oct 25, 2026
Location
Chicago, IL
Quick facts
- Date
- Sunday, October 25, 2026
- Location
- Chicago, Illinois
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 5K
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Mixed
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 1,213
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Haunted Halloween Half Marathon & 5K transforms Chicago's Lincoln Park into a festive fall playground. Hundreds of participants, many in creative costumes, gather for a unique race experience that blends athletic endeavor with Halloween spirit. The event celebrates its heritage, now in its fourth year, drawing runners from approximately 21 states.
The course winds through the scenic trails of Lincoln Park before hitting the picturesque Lakefront Trail, offering glimpses of the city and lake. While accurately measured with mile markers, the course is noted to traverse park trails and the lakefront, suggesting a mixed terrain with some potential for varied surfaces. Post-race, participants can enjoy autumn refreshments, Halloween candy, and a celebratory free beer at Tin Lizzie, capping off a day of community and fun.
Race-provided description
2025 results: https://www.athlinks.com/event/314344/results/Event/1099091/Results The Haunted Halloween Half Marathon & 5km returns this fall to Chicago's Lincoln Park, at a new site! We will be in Diversey Event Space, across the street from Notebaert Nature Museum. The event offers race distances of half marathon and 5K ― with a special Halloween twist! Hundreds of runners and walkers of all ages and abilities dress in costume and compete for fun and prizes. Age group awards will be given in ten-year age ranges. And there is prize money for the winners of our pre-race Costume Contest! Costume Contest Prize Money: For the teams 1st, 2nd win $200 and for individuals 1st, 2nd win $100. After the race, help yourself to some autumn refreshment treats. There will of course be Halloween candy. Every HM & 5k finisher gets a H^3 medal to match your bib and shirt! Please attend our post party with a free beer at Tin Lizzie in Lincoln Park where they will also be offering 20% discount on their food menu. Course will traverse the trails within Lincoln Park before heading south along Chicago's scenic Lakefront Trail. Course is accurately measured with every mile marked. Timing splits on the HM course at 5km, 10km, 10mi. ***the 10km split has been moved to the TURNAROUND point at 6.55miles*** Participants are encouraged to use public transportation. If you choose to drive, parking is available in the Chicago History Museum lot, or along Cannon Drive. Packet Pickups are being scheduled for Fleet Feet & Xtra Mile Running as well as on raceday, on site, beginning at 7:15am! Tentative schedule below. Tuesday 10/21 2-7pm @ Xtra Mile Running (31 W Schaumburg Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60194) Thursday, 10/23, 1-7pm @ Fleet Feet South Loop Sunday, 10/26, 7:15-8:35am @ Diversey Event Space (2611 N Cannon Dr, Chicago, IL) This event will sell out. Schedule: 7:15am - PPU and Gear Check open ... 7:45am - Costume Contest Judging at stage ... 8:05am - Costume Winners decided ... 8:30am - HALF MARATHON Start ... 8:45am - 5k Start ... 9:10am - 5k winners ... 10:05am - HM winners ... 12:50pm - Gear Check closed Age group awards will be given in ten year categories: 19 & under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+
Logistics
Race Day
Sunday, October 25, 2026
Start Time
8:25 AM
Giveaway
Long Sleeve Shirt
Start Location
2611 N Cannon Drive, Chicago, IL, 60614
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
mixed
Scenery
Lake River, Park
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Course Map
2 other maps for this race
Quality Score
Solid Pick594 years running
~351 finishers a year
growing or steady
6% returning runners
5 timing sources
runners from 21 states
winner 0:39:47
typical high 59°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
47°
Afternoon (High)
59°
Ideal racing weather — cool and comfortable
0.2"
Precipitation
16 mph
Wind
72%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 1,213 finishers actually crossed the line across 4 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
1,213
Median time
2:09:48
Latest turnout
403
States
28
Turnout by year
2019–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Haunted Halloween Half Marathon & 5km?
The Haunted Halloween Half Marathon & 5km is held on Sunday, October 25, 2026, starting at 8:25 AM.
Where does the Haunted Halloween Half Marathon & 5km take place?
It takes place in Chicago, Illinois.
What distances does the Haunted Halloween Half Marathon & 5km offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 5K.
Is the Haunted Halloween Half Marathon & 5km course flat and good for a PR?
The Haunted Halloween Half Marathon & 5km is a ultra-flat, loop course course.
How many people run the Haunted Halloween Half Marathon & 5km?
HalfRuns has finish records for 1,213 runners who have completed the Haunted Halloween Half Marathon & 5km.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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