It's that time of year again, when runners and race organsers like to show off their Halloween spirit, when they like to band together to ward off the evil spirits, and have some fun while they do it.
As ever, there is quite an array of suitably Halloween-themed races available. Some are short and some are long, but all are a lot of fun. We've put together a list of 10 of these events that we think will be of interest to you.
Halloween 10k & Scary Sprint
Enjoy a spine-chilling 10K race, or family-friendly 2K, through the undulating Denbies vineyard. Look out for trick and treats along the way!
Date : 31 October
Start time : 10:00 a.m.
Location : Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking
Cost : 10K - £25, 2K - £10
URL : https://www.209events.com/uk-running-events/denbies-halloween-run-10km-and-2km
Run Bath Annual Halloween Run
Take a leisurely run around Bath, exploring local Halloweeen sites on the way. The run will be at a 'chatty pace', with camera stops along the way.
Date : 31 October
Start time : 10:30 a.m.
Location : Queen Square, Bath
Cost : £6
URL : https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/run-bath-annual-halloween-run-tickets-177871868547
Halloween 5 Nite Run - The Horrorwood Run - 5K
Run a 5K through a scary wood, lit only by yor head torch and glow sticks. As always the theme is 'Horrorwood movies', so expect to see some familiar characters from your favourite horror films.
Date : 31 October
Start time : 8:00 p.m.
Location : Wokingham Waterside Centre, Reading
Cost : Affiliated runners - £18 / Unaffiliated runners - £20
URL : https://www.saturnrunning.co.uk/halloween5niterun2021
The Spooky and Pumpkin Challenges
Two fun Halloween-themed races in Lightmoor, Telford. Choose to run either Pumpkin Marathon (or half) in the morning or the Spooky Challenge Marathon in the evening. Both races encoourage fancy dress and are restricted to 40 runners. The day is expected to be a lot of fun, for both runners and spectators.
Date : 30 October
Start time : Pumpkin Marathon (or half) - 9:00 a.m., Spooky Challenge - 4:00 p.m.
Location : Burroughs Bank in Lightmoor, Telford
Cost : Spooky Challenge or Pumpkin Marathon (or half) - £35 / Two events - £68
URL : http://codrc.co.uk/spooky-and-pumpkin-challenges/
Worksop Halloween Half Marathon
First run in 1982, the Worksop Halloween Half Marathon is a popular event. Currently it offers 1,500 runners the chance to join this halloween-themed event.
Date : 31 October
Start time : 10:00 a.m.
Location : Clumber Park, Worksop
Cost : Affiliated runners - £30 / Unaffiliated runners - £32
URL : https://www.worksophalfmarathon.co.uk
Halloween 100
This spooky-themed 100 mile ultra, is 1 of 4 events taking place "over and under, and through the famous White Cliffs of Dover". The other events are 24 hour and 6 hour timed challenges on Saturday along with the usual Pacer Challenge. Profits will go to the local wildlife trust.
Date : 30 October
Start time : 8:00 a.m.
Location : Samphire Hoe, Dover
Cost : £165
URL : http://www.saxon-shore.com/Halloween_100/
Halloween Hash
Hashing is running that follows a trail, ultimately leading to a pre-designated pub. Traditionally, a significant amount of drinking and merriment follows. Designed for various abilities, this event offers routes from 4 miles to 9 miles.
Date : 30 October
Start time : 8:45 a.m.
Location : Berkhamsted Cricket Club
Cost : £16
URL : https://www.runthewild.co.uk/adventures/detail/halloween-hash
Halloween Zombie Fun Run '5K on the RA'
Run a 'Halloween Zombie Tag' 5K fun run around Royal Arsenal. Prizes will include a best costume award, and organisers are planning a night out to follow the main event.
Start time : 5:00 p.m.
Location : Royal Arsenal, London
Cost : £13.52
URL : https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/halloween-zombie-fun-run-5k-on-the-ra-few-tickets-left-tickets-165117513929
Pendle Witches 10K - Halloween Fancy Dress Fun Run
Run 10K inside and outside of Lancaster Castle. This race is very much a fun run, with facy dress being very much encouraged and no finish times or placings given after the race.
Date : 31 October
Start time : 1:00 p.m.
Location : Lancaster Castle
Cost : £6 in advance, £8 on the day
URL : https://www.lancaster-race-series.co.uk/fun-runs/halloween-fancy-dress-fun-run/
Halloween Fun Run at Castle Eden
Join 299 other runners for a Halloween-themed 10K fun run at Castle Eden Dene.
Date : 31 October
Start time : 2:30 p.m.
Location : Castle Eden
Cost : Affiliated runners - £22 / Unaffiliated runners - £24
URL : https://runcastleeden.co.uk