Run of the Dead 2026

SUNDAY NOV 1, 2026

CHECK IN BEGINS AT 7:00 AM
Arrive early to pickup your packet if you missed packet pickup. Visit the vendors. Visit the Ofrenda. Get warmed up. Network with community and business leaders. 

RACE BEGINS AT 9AM SHARP
10K Runners will line up first, followed by the 5K Runners and then walkers. The Race Chair will sound the horn for the race to begin. Please follow the signs and volunteers for directions

Run of the Dead 2026 is a fundraiser for the Center of Music & Performing Arts Southwest (COMPÁS). The mission of COMPÁS is to provide high-quality performing arts training and cultural experiences with an emphasis on youth socio-emotional development. The program preserves the Latinx heritage of Southwest Detroit and celebrates its diversity through the arts. Your sponsorship and partnership will support this mission for years to come.

The Run provides 5k and 10k options. The USATF-Certified event will celebrate the Mexican holiday of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). In commemoration of the annual Día de los Muertos holiday, that honors deceased relatives and loved ones, an ofrenda (altar) will be created and displayed by a community leader.  Participants will celebrate by wearing traditional face-paint, flowers and attire. Enjoy light bites, vendors and entertainment by COMPAS.

This race is chip timed by Wolf Creek Race Management.

Medal Award Winners for both 5K and 10K, 1st and 2nd place winners as well as overall Male and Female winner in both categories.

HIGHSCHOOLERS RUN FREE

Enter Code HS100 at Checkout 

MUST SHOW SCHOOL ID

FIRST RESPONDERS HALF OFF

Enter Code FR50 at Checkout

MUST SHOW FIRST RESPONDER BADGE

ROTD 2025
Frequently Asked Questions

How can I check if I am registered for this race?

For this race, you can go to this link to verify registration, change information, or request a confirmation email

Does this race award a medal to finishers?

Top finisher in each category receives a medal. 

What is the minimum age requirement, and do you need a parents or guardian’s consent to participate?

The minimum age is 6 years old, with the signature of a consenting parent or guardian. No runner under the age of 12 may participate in the 5K unless accompanied by an adult. 

Can I have my favorite pet/dog run with me?

Yes. please be aware and stay clear of other runners. 

Can I register at packet pick up or race day?

Yes, if there are slots available, but we can’t guarantee a shirt/goodies bag. Race Signup will close at 7:00 AM on Race Day which is November 1, 2025

Can I pick up my friend’s packet?
Yes, you can. You only need the name they registered under to do so. Be sure to coordinate with your friend or team member. We have had situations where someone picked up a packet for another and the original runner also showed up asking for their packet.

Is there race day packet pick-up?
Packet Pickup dates are Oct. 30, 2025, 3pm - 7pm, Oct. 31, 2024, 3p - 7pm. Packet pickup location is SDBA 7752 Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI 48209. 

We highly recommend packet pickup be completed on one of the designated days. However, we realize it may be impossible for a few people to pick up their packet at the official times. We will have limited packet pick up the morning of the race, Nov 1, 2025, at 7:00 am. Day of Packet Pickup will be at 2301 Patton Rec Center Woodmere, Detroit, MI 48209. 

You do not need to notify the Race Director if you need to pick up your packet on race day. 

What if I forget my bib at home?

If you lose your bib or you forget it at home, there will be a $10 charge to reissue you a new bib.

Does the race giveaway t-shirts?

Yes.  Registration after October 18th will not guarantee a t-shirt.

The shirt in my packet doesn’t fit, can I exchange it for a different size?
We post deadlines for both bib name and shirt size selection, and order shirts in advance according to what you selected if you register by those deadlines. We estimate the remainder. If we have any extras after the race, you are welcome to exchange, but if the race fills, extras for exchange are unlikely.

Will there be a place to leave a drop bag for the race?

No.

I registered but now I can’t make it, can I get a refund or defer my registration to next year?

There is NO RAINCHECK for this event. Your entry fee for this year’s event CANNOT be transferred to next year’s event, and there are NO REFUNDS, no exceptions. This policy stays in effect whether you are injured, have an unexpected business or family emergency, pregnancy, etc. There are NO exceptions. If you purchase insurance through the Run Sign up Website and would like a refund... you must contact them directly. 

You CAN donate your entry to charity, you will get a cash donation receipt. Just let us know!

You can transfer your entry to another person. Please contact us to do so.

PLEASE NOTE that there is an immediate disqualification for anyone who runs under another person’s bib other than the person of record.

Can you mail my race packet to me or can I pick up my packet after the race, even though I’m not going to run?

No. All unclaimed race packets will be given to late registrants at the race.

I left early, but it looks like I won an award. Can you mail it to me?

No, we do not mail out awards after the race. You may be able to pick up your award at a designated location, usually one of the packet pick-up spots. Check with us via the Contact form.

Are baby joggers/strollers allowed?

Yes, please be aware and stay clear of other runners.

Will there be Port-a-potties on the course?

Yes, each cemetery will have a water station and Port-a-potties.

Can I wear my headphones?

The RRCA (our insurance provider) has a written guideline against the use of personal music devices in running events, as such we strongly discourage the use of headphones in our races. If you do use headphones, please keep one ear free and listen for instructions from the race monitors.

I’m running, can my spouse/family volunteer?

Yes, we can use all the help we can get. They can sign up to volunteer here.  

When will the race results be posted?
Race results are real time and will populate on the website...the same day

What are your contingency plans for bad weather?

See below:

Rain– The event will NOT be canceled due to rain alone unless the downpour is such that athletes, police, and volunteers lose visibility making situations unsafe. If this occurs, we will wait until the rain subsides and follow the same procedure listed for lightning conditions (minus the 30 minute rule). Athletes will be informed of such a change via announcements on race morning.

Lightning – In the event of lightning the race will be postponed by 30 minutes every time lightning is spotted and thunder is heard within 6 miles of the event. Please note that every time lightning strikes and thunder is heard within 6 miles of the race site we must delay the start by 30 minutes.

Tornado Warning – If at any time before (race morning close to start time) or during the event, a tornado warning is issued, the race will be canceled.

On Course Cancellation – If the race is canceled due to storms (lightning and/or excessive rain) or tornado warnings while it is in progress, we will do everything in our power to alert everyone on the course. All police, ROTD, and medical personnel will be made aware and do all they can to warn all participants. We will also do everything in our power to assist those that are still on course. Those that are on course without means of rescue should seek immediate shelter via open stores, buildings, garages, homes and/or any other means of protection from the dangerous conditions. If it gets bad and we are not there to help you off the course, please do everything you can to keep yourself safe and take shelter.

Because of agreements with the City of Detroit and various municipalities regarding a fixed amount of time to have roads closed or in use or the time of public safety or law enforcement officials, ROTD, at any time, reserves the right to shorten the distance of any of its races to comply, especially in dealing with inclement weather conditions that may make any course unavailable or unsuitable for runner participation.

Contact events@southwestdetroit.com for more information

USATF CERTIFIED RACE:  MI 14054 SH

!!CLICK HERE TO VOLUNTEER!!

Run of the Dead 2025 is a fundraiser for the Center of Music & Performing Arts Southwest (COMPÁS). The mission of COMPÁS is to provide high-quality performing arts training and cultural experiences with an emphasis on youth socio-emotional development. The program preserves the Latinx heritage of Southwest Detroit and celebrates its diversity through the arts.

The USATF-Certified event will celebrate the Mexican holiday of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). In commemoration of the annual Día de los Muertos holiday, that honors deceased relatives and loved ones, an oferenda (altar) will be created and displayed. The community is also invited to participate in the holiday by bringing family photos of their ancestors to add to the altar. Participants will celebrate by wearing traditional face-paint, flowers and attire.   

Thank you for your interest in becoming a Volunteer for the 2025 Run of the Dead 5k and 10k Race presented by the Southwest Detroit Business Association.

For more information, please visit www.southwestdetroit.com

Date: Saturday, November 1, 2025

Time: 6am-2pm

Location: Patton Park Recreation Center | 2301 Woodmere St, Detroit, MI 48209 

POINTS TO REMEMBER:

=>>You will be working outside, please bring warm clothes and dress in layers.

=>>You will be given a T-Shirt that hopefully you can wear over your coat/clothes

=>>You may be asked to work in an area that you were not originally assigned. Please be flexible

=>>Make sure you check in and check out at the Registration Table located in the gym

=>>Have fun and encourage the runners/walkers at all times

=>>You are our eyes and ears to keep the runners safe. Notify your lead if anyone needs help. 

Early Bird Registration with Guaranteed T-Shirt, Bib & Swag Bag (April 1 - September 1, 2025):

5K Race: $45 | 10K Race: $50

General Registration with Guaranteed T-Shirt, Bib & Swag Bag (September 2 - November 1, 2025):

5K Race: $55 | 10K Race: $60

Event Day Registration. T-Shirt, Bib & Swag Bag are NOT guaranteed (November 1, 2025):

Both 5K and 10K races: $75

HIGHSCHOOLERS RUN FREE

Enter Code HS100 at Checkout 

MUST SHOW SCHOOL ID

FIRST RESPONDERS HALF OFF

Enter Code FR50 at Checkout

MUST SHOW FIRST RESPONDER BADGE

Each participant will receive a T-Shirt, Bib & Swag Bag if registered before Race Day. 

Packet Pickup dates are Oct. 30, 2025, 3pm - 7pm & Oct. 31, 2025, 3pm - 7pm.

Packet pickup location is:

SDBA - Southwest Detroit Business Association
7752 Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI 48209. 

Street and lot parking is available

We highly recommend packet pickup be completed on one of the above designated days. However, we realize it may be impossible for a few people to pick up their packet at the official times. We will have limited packet pick up the morning of the race.

You do not need to notify the Race Director if you need to pick up your packet on race day.