HalfRuns
Haunted Halloween Half Marathon & 5km

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

Solid Pick59

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

Beginner FriendlyDestination Worthy

Atmosphere

Party FinishSpectator SupportGreat MedalGreat Swag

Course

Well Marked

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

Directions

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

5K

Course Map

2 other maps for this race

Quality Score

Solid Pick59
Methodology
Heritage8/20

4 years running

Size13/15

~351 finishers a year

Momentum5/5

growing or steady

Loyalty5/20

6% returning runners

Course & details5/15

5 timing sources

National draw8/10

runners from 21 states

Front-pack speed5/5

winner 0:39:47

Weather10/10

typical high 59°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (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

10%
25%
75%
90%
0:35p50 median ≈ 2:054:30

Turnout by year

20192025

'19'23'24'25
See full results

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.

Explore More Journeys

Can't make it to Chicago? Discover other experiences that match your running style.

Search All Races