Fall running is already a vibe with cooler temps, crunchy leaves, and an excuse to break out the long sleeves again. But for those of us who love a good fright (or just the Halloween aesthetic), October offers a perfect reason to add a little spooky spirit to your miles. Here are five fun ways runners can celebrate the season, from costumes and creepy courses to challenges that might just send chills down your spine.
Run A Halloween Themed Race In Costume!
Nothing says Halloween running quite like a themed race! Whether you go all out with fake blood and fangs or keep it cute with a pumpkin tutu or sparkle skirt, racing in costume is the ultimate way to embrace spooky season. Pro tip: always test your costume on a short run first. Chafing witches and overheating zombies are no fun! For more tips, check out Costume Running 101!
Go For A Run In A Cemetery
It sounds eerie, but hear me out. Cemetery runs can be peaceful, quiet, and beautiful, especially in the fall. The paths are usually well-maintained, and there’s something grounding about running among history. Of course, always be respectful. Stick to paved paths, avoid services, and skip any runs after dark (we’re going for festive, not terrifying). Locally, we have the Evergreen Pumpkin Run, which winds through the oldest cemetery in Jacksonville. It’s an absolutely beautiful place to run.
Sign Up for a Zombie Run
If you love a little adrenaline with your cardio, this one’s for you. Zombie runs combine obstacle course racing with a spooky twist: “undead” volunteers chase runners or pop out along the course to “infect” other runners with stickers to simulate bites. It’s equal parts terrifying and hilarious, and a great way to break up your regular race routine. If you love dressing up, you could even be one of those zombie volunteers!
Plan a Route Through the Best Halloween Decorations
Every neighborhood has those houses, the ones that go all out for Halloween. Plot your next run to pass by the biggest skeletons, fog machines, and pumpkin displays. Bring friends, go at dusk for extra ambiance, and snap a few photos (because if you didn’t post it, did it even happen?). You know that I’m always posting pics from cool front yards on my socials, and it makes things so much more festive.
Try A Running Thing That Scares You
Not every spooky challenge has to come with fake blood. Sometimes, the scariest thing is stepping outside your comfort zone. Maybe it’s joining a new running group, signing up for a longer distance, or running without your watch (gasp). Whatever it is, this is your sign to do the thing that gives you butterflies. After all, growth, just like Halloween, happens when we face what scares us.
Whether you’re racing zombies, running through the neighborhood, or facing a fear, there are so many ways to make your miles a little more magical this spooky season.
Lace up, lean into the fun, and remember, the only thing to fear is missing out on a great run.
Are you leaning into spooky season on your runs?
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