Race Information
Get ready for a spine-tingling race experience at the Running Scared 5K & 13K—where thrills, chills, and fast times collide!
Whether you’re brave enough to tackle the 5K or daring enough to conquer the 13K, this Halloween-themed event delivers a fun and festive atmosphere perfect for runners of all levels. Costumes are encouraged, so come dressed to impress (or frighten) as you take on a course filled with seasonal spirit.
We will gather at Cottonwood Creek Park in Colorado Springs.
All athletes will receive a long-sleeve race shirt—perfect for those crisp fall mornings—and a custom finisher medal to commemorate their accomplishment.
For those looking to push their limits, take on the Deadly Double by completing both the 5K and the 13K. It’s the ultimate test of endurance and Halloween courage!
Competitive runners will have plenty to race for. Awards will be presented to the Top Three Male and Female Overall finishers in both the 5K and 13K, as well as the Top Three in Masters, Grand Masters, and Senior Masters Overall categories. In addition, the top three athletes in each of the traditional five-year age groups will receive awards in both race distances. For those taking on the Deadly Double, special recognition will be given to the Top Three Male and Female finishers who complete both races.
Whether you’re running for fun, fitness, or a frightfully good challenge, the Running Scared 5K & 13K is sure to be a hauntingly good time you won’t want to miss!
Event Schedule
Oct. 8
Deadline for guaranteed shirt in your size
October 18
7:15 AM - Race Day Registration & Check In Opens
8:00 AM - 5K Starts
8:30 AM - 13K Starts
Registration
Race Sponsors
Course Information

Great courses inside the park using the Bonanza Trail...so it's family & spectator friendly!
The 5K course is super flat, so it's a great opportunity to get a PR.
Charity Partner
The 2026 Charity Partner for Running Scared 5K/13K is Ava's Avengers.
Ava's Avengers seeks to stand as a symbol of hope to individuals of all ages living in need. By raising awareness through public and charitable events, Ava's Avengers seeks to decrease the socioeconomic burdens placed on families by building support networks dedicated to furthering disease education, raising hope, and increasing human resilience by reminding everyone of the hero within themselves.

Join Ava’s Avengers to help find your inner hero! Ava’s Avengers was formed to allow people from all over the world to step up to the plate and make a positive impact. Through virtual races or joining one of our teams in person at a live event, you can directly impact lives and help build a better future.
Virtual Race
Can't make it out to the event site on race day?
Still want to participate or support the cause and have a shot at an award? or maybe you saw the shirt and said: "Sweet...I want one!"
Then the virtual race is for you.
New to Virtual Running? Here's how it works:
Step 1
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Get excited, grab some friends and buddies to join you! Sign up and register for the Virtual Event!
Step 2
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Hydrate, grab your buddy (or not) and get ready to get moving!
Step 3
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Get out there and run or walk! You can run at the park, your favorite route in your neighborhood; anywhere you want. Please remember to social distance & be safe!
Step 4
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HAVE FUN!~
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Share your distance, a selfie, or a picture along your race route and use the race hashtag:-)
Step 5
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Submit your results online
Step 6
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View your Results Monday after the Event Date.
Event Courtesy and Weather Policy
Our events are designed to be fun for the entire family. With that in mind; any
competitor, spectator, parent, volunteer, or sponsor, exhibiting unsportsmanlike conduct or interfering with the positive, competitive atmosphere of the event will be asked to leave the venue and course immediately with no refunds and be disqualified.
All registrations are final. There are no refunds, deferments, or transfers.
Event will take place rain or shine. In the event of extreme weather, we will cancel for the safety of the participants...there are no refunds in this case.
Participants that do not show up to race/event forfeit their right to any swag.
No COVID-19 Refunds. If unforeseen circumstances arise due to COVID-19, including any Federal or State Health Emergency, refunds will not be provided. The event will go 100% Virtual & shirts will be shipped to participants.

