Haunted 5K, 10K & 13.1M at Wilmington, NC (42)

Lace up your running shoes for a "spooktacular" challenge at the Haunted 5K, 10K & 13.1M on Saturday, October 17, 2026, in scenic Wilmington, NC. This festive event, hosted at Halyburton Park, offers distances for every ambition, from a quick 5K to a half marathon. Runners can expect typical race day conditions around mid-October, with pleasant highs near 77°F and comfortable lows around 56°F, and only a 13% chance of precipitation.

The course itself features a unique out-and-back design winding through the natural beauty of Halyburton Park. The 5K runners will complete two loops, while half marathon participants will tackle six loops of the 2.18-mile route. Halyburton Park is renowned for its multi-use trails, encompassing a 1.3-mile handicapped-accessible path, and picturesque offshoot trails that meander past natural ponds, distinctive sand hills, and towering longleaf pine trees. This natural oasis, rich with wildlife and azaleas, promises a visually engaging and relatively flat to gently rolling terrain for all participants. A generous time limit of 3 hours and 30 minutes is set for the half marathon, making it welcoming for various paces.

Beyond the course, the Haunted 5K, 10K & 13.1M stands out with its vibrant atmosphere. All finishers will be celebrated with a themed medal, and participants are encouraged to embrace the Halloween spirit by dressing in their best costumes, with awards given for the most creative attire. As part of the popular US Road Running Race Series, this event also offers assorted food and refreshments at the finish line, contributing to the overall camaraderie that past participants have praised in similar events by the organizer. Packet pickup begins 30 minutes before the 8:00 AM race start, ensuring everyone is ready to hit the trails for a memorable day of running and festive fun.