Cats & Bats Haunted 5K

The 2026 Cats & Bats 5K - Saturday, October 31, 2026

For 12 years, this has been the race of choice for your pre-Halloween fun! The famous Cats & Bats 5K is your spot for  #HalloweeninAberdeen

SATURDAY, October 31st - 8:00 am start time.  USATF Certified Course - view map here

Location: Festival Park, Aberdeen, MD  

We are planning for a Group, In-Person 5K and also have a Virtual 5K component. The virtual component is in place for anyone who is non-local, will not be able to attend the live race, or is not comfortable racing in a group environment.

Packet pickup will begin on race morning at 6:30 am, under the pavilion.
Details for early packet pickup will be announced

 
Race Fees
5K - Live Run or Walk - $30 per person (through September 30, 2026 - includes chip timing, shirt, and race medal, post race food and drinks, awards for overall & age group winners. Price increase to $35/per person October 1, 2025. Race day registation, if available, is $40. Registrations may sell out prior to race day.
 

Virtual 5K Race - $35 per person - if you can't attend the race but want the swag & brag, sign up for the virtual race!  Complete the distance on your day, your place, your time.  Race bib, shirt, and medal will be mailed to all virtual race participants.
 

One Mile Fun Run - $25 per person - for those who want to join in the fun but don't want to do the distance! Race shirt and medalincluded. Price increase to $30 on October 1. Race day registration is $35.

This is a Rain or Shine event!  No refunds will be offered for weather or other reasons.

RACE DAY PACKET PICK-UP INFO - Race day packet pickup will begin at 6:30 am in Festival Park.
We are also offering a mailing option this year ($8.00), please see registration for details and cut-off date.

CUSTOM EVENT SHIRT - Please register by 10/15 to guarantee your shirt size choice.  We will do our best to have shirts for all but cannot guarantee sizes or availability for those who register after 10/15

Come on out to beautiful Festival Park in Aberdeen, MD and participate in the ONLY 5k to feature a Custom Commemorative Finisher's Medal for all participants.
This is THE area's spookiest fall running event, so don't miss out!  Registration is open but we expect a sellout crowd.
In addition to a beautiful flat-and-fast course, you also get great swag, food, drink, shirts, awards, and don't forget. .. . an AWESOME Finisher's Medal for all participants!

Our run will benefit The National PTSD Foundation, a 501(c)3 that works to support our local first responders who suffer from this affliction.

Medals will be awarded to our overall Male and Female Winners, and age group awards will be announced, first, second & third place for 9 & under, 10-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+). Winners to be announced on-site. Please check your results and plan to stick around if you are a Gender or Age Group winner! 

We'll see YOU at the Cats & Bats 5K! 

This event is RAIN OR SHINE!
Ticket sales are final and there are no refunds for any reason. 

This race is owned, managed, and professionally timed by Blue Cheetah Sports Timing, LLC

Pre-race packet pickup is Thursday, October 23, 2025, from 3:30 to 6:30 pm at Charm City Run in Bel Air, MD.

Race Day packet pickup will begin at 6:30 am under the Festival Park pavilion.