With D.C.’s swampy heat in the rearview, it’s that time of year again to put on your coziest thermals and enjoy the crisp fall air at one of the many Halloween- and fall-themed runs this October.
To all the runners out there, this probably seems like a dream. To those who would never run a 5K of their own free will, this probably sounds like a spooky nightmare. But each of these races offers something more than just brisk exercise. At these five events, you can take part in whimsical costume contests, get chased by zombies, indulge in hot cider and enjoy more fun twists that make the run feel like less of a slog.
Dead Man’s Run 5K
For a graveyard, Congressional Cemetery is usually alive with events throughout the year — including the Dead Man’s Run 5K every October. Runners are encouraged to wear their spookiest costumes while traversing the cemetery grounds and Anacostia Trail to the sound of ghoulish music.
Make sure to dress in your Halloween best: Congressional will dole out prizes for the best individual costume and best team costume, in addition to awards for the top runners. And all proceeds from the race will go directly to supporting the cemetery.
“It’s a flat, fast course, so we get everyone from serious runners chasing a personal best to families and friends who just want to walk, dress up and have fun,” says A.J. Orlikoff, Congressional’s director of programming. “More than anything, people can expect a really welcoming atmosphere of fall fun, and a chance to support the preservation of Historic Congressional Cemetery while they’re at it.”
Saturday at 5 p.m., Congressional Cemetery, 1801 E St. SE. congressionalcemetery.org.
Hot Cider Hustle
This is the kind of race where you’ll be working up an appetite. Not only will you get to race against the backdrop of a scenic waterfront, but you’ll be rewarded with some sweet treats on the other side.
Hot Cider Hustle is a national racing event that will come to National Harbor on Halloween and offer 5K and 10K races. At the finish line, all participants can refresh themselves with hot apple cider and feast on caramel apples, which certainly sweetens the deal for making it through to the end.
Oct. 31 at 8:30 a.m., National Harbor, 137 National Plaza, National Harbor, Maryland. hotciderhustle.com.
Ghost 5K & Scarecrow Sprint Fun Run
This is one of the more family-friendly events on this list. The Scarecrow Sprint is a short-distance run designed for kids 8 and under who want to join in on the festivities instead of standing on the sidelines. Plus, they’ll get a bag of Halloween candy, a long-sleeve glow-in-the-dark T-shirt and a medal.
But, of course, it wouldn’t be fair for the kids to have all the fun. For adults who run the 5K, there’s also plenty to look forward to besides the race itself.
“When runners cross that finish line, there’s music, a finisher’s medal, costume contest and a spooktacular good time waiting for them,” says event organizer Lesley Green. “It’s a 5K, but it’s also the way we do Halloween.”
Oct. 24 at 4 p.m. (Scarecrow Sprint begins at 3 p.m.), 21140 Ashburn Crossing Dr., Ashburn, Virginia. runsignup.com.
Ghostly Grapes 5K and 10K
Ghostly Grapes is where you can bask in colorful fall scenery as you wind through picturesque vineyard rows and pastures at Two Twisted Posts Winery. There will be prizes for the top finishers and best costumes, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit Boykin Spaniel Rescue.
“Kids and pets are welcome to join the run — or the postrace fun,” says Two Twisted Posts owner Krista Cato.
This is the prime event to run in the fall foliage, against the backdrop of the Short Hill Mountains, with Halloween decorations throughout the course. After the race, the celebration will carry on at the winery with a food truck and live music from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Oct. 25 at 10 a.m., Two Twisted Posts Winery, 12944 Harpers Ferry Rd., Purcellville, Virginia. twotwistedposts.com.
Shenandoah Zombie Run
What’s the vibe of the Shenandoah Zombie Run? Imagine if “The Walking Dead” were sponsoring a 5K. Runners can sign up as a “zombie” or “alive,” with the latter given three flags and told to avoid losing them to the chasing zombies before crossing the finish line.
The event seems intense, but race directors Carrie Camden and Amanda Womack note that runners (and walkers) can opt out of being chased.
“It’s really just a fun mix of adrenaline and Halloween excitement,” Camden says. “You’ve got human runners trying to protect their flags while the zombie runners are chasing them down, waiting for the perfect ambush moment. Expect lots of screaming and laughing, and a little friendly competition.”
“It’s the zombie apocalypse, but in the most fun way possible.”
Oct. 31 at 8 a.m., Camp Shenandoah, 222 Boy Scout Lane, Swoope, Virginia. runsignup.com.
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