Running Scared 5K
When is Running Scared 5K?
Running Scared 5K takes place on Saturday, October 24, 2026 in Charlotte, NC.
What distances does Running Scared 5K offer?
Running Scared 5K offers 2 events: Running Scared 5K, Virtual 5K.
| Event | Distance | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Running Scared 5K | 5.0 km | $34.99 | Register |
| Virtual 5K | — | $33.00 | Register |
How much does Running Scared 5K cost?
Registration for Running Scared 5K starts at $33.00. Prices vary by event distance.
Where is Running Scared 5K held?
Running Scared 5K is held in Charlotte, NC at 2101 Rexford Rd #50w.
About Running Scared 5K
Charlotte's Largest and BEST Halloween Event!
Make it a Tradition.
The 9th Annual MOTION Running Scared 5K presented by National Gypsum will take place on October 25th, 2025 at 8:30am. This family fun event encourages participants to have fun, be creative, and dress up in costumes. Costumes are of course encouraged but not required. Enjoy a 5K race through and around South Park area of Charlotte. There will be activities for the kids (face painting, games, etc.), Food Trucks, Beer, Music, and more!
Proceeds are going to Carolina Breast Friends
What do I get for participating?
1. High Quality shirt. We will have Unisex short sleeve shirts so please size yourself with that in mind. You must register before October 10th to be guaranteed a choice of shirt; GHOST, MONSTER, PUMPKIN, OR REGULAR. Anyone registered AFTER October 11th will be given a REGULAR event shirt...while inventory lasts.
2. Finisher Medals guaranteed for the 5K Only. We will now have a mix of medals for the Monster Milers...yahoo!
3. Great giveaways from our sponsors
4. Face painting, costume contest, etc.
6. Great fun!
Packet Pick Up
Friday, October 24th, 2025; 1:00PM – 6:00PM
MOTION Fitness
2101 Rexford Rd #50w, Charlotte, NC 28211
Race Day – Saturday, October 25th, 2025; 7:15AM – 8:15AM
MOTION Fitness
2101 Rexford Rd #50w, Charlotte, NC 28211
RACE START TIMES:
8:30AM - 5K
9:15AM - AWARDS
T-Shirts
Every participant will receive a t-shirt that signed up before October 10th. Shirts are ordered based on the sizes indicated during online registration. NO SWITCHING SIZES – NO EXCEPTIONS!
Timing
We have partnered with Start 2 Finish to time this years event using Chronotrack Timing Systems. All 5K participants will be timed and will receive their disposable timing tag during packet pick up.
Divisions
Overall, Masters, 12 and under, 13-18, 19-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70 and over.
Awards
Top 3 Males and Females Overall and 1st place in all age groups.
Claiming Awards
As results become available, runners will be able to claim their awards at the awards ceremony prior to the last participant finishing. We do NOT ship unclaimed awards.
NOTE: Sisu Events reserves the right to add/delete categories and awards prior to race based on participation.
Refunds and Transfers
Registration fees are non-refundable. Event registrations are non-transferable between individuals, events, or years.
Time Limit
The 5K is for runners and we have to stick to a 15 minute pace limit per CMPD in order for them to open the roads. If you are walking slower than that, you may be asked to use the sidewalks to finish.
Medic/First Aid
There will be a RED medical tent located at the finish line in case of emergency or any medical needs. Announcements can always be made at the DJ booth as well.
Weather Policy
Races are held, rain or shine, unless Sisu Events determines that conditions are too dangerous. This will be based on a prudent decision made on race weekend or race day by Sisu Events and local law enforcement officials. If the race is canceled due to inclement weather there will be neither refunds nor transfers. This position is consistent with USA Track & Field recommendations and with the protocol of sharing the risks associated with the sport of running. In the event of inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances, Sisu Events reserves the right to alter, cancel or eliminate any/all portions of the race.
Parking
PLEASE arrive in time to park. There are many available parking lots near the start finish area.
Expo
At the Running Scared 5K Expo you will find exhibitors, great giveaways from our sponsors, and kids face painting.
Entertainment
We are so excited to have music and entertainment at the Start and Finish line to energize the runners and maintain the fun!
Costume Contest
COSTUME CONTEST RULES
Instead of embracing Halloween with a mouthful of fun-size Snickers, don your costume and lace up your running shoes.
Grab your friends or take it solo.
SWAG PRIZES for every category!
We will be judging for the following divisions:
Individual Costume – costume of only one person
Partner Costume – costumes with two people participating
Group Costume – 3 or more form a group
Kid’s Costume – Group, pair or individual. All must be 12 and under and running the event.
Judges will be looking for originality, authenticity, overall theme, and craftsmanship. Being “in character” is always a plus!
Rules for participants
· You must run/walk in your costume the entire race to be eligible for prizes
· Groups and pairs must come to the judging table together to be judged
· If you are a group or a pair, you must pick a team captain and a team name. We will use this name and the team captain’s race number for judging
· You must have a race number visible to be eligible for the contest and keep your race number on for winner announcements
· You must have been a registered participant and run the race to be eligible for the costume contest
**We have added a 12 and under division to the costume contest. The 12 and under division is for singles, pairs or groups who are 12 or under (no differentiation among the categories, they will all be judged as one). Someone 12 or under can compete in the adult Partner or Group contest with an older person as a part of their “group” but then cannot compete in the 12 and under division. Any one older than 12 cannot compete in the Kid’s Contest.
We will announce winners during our results ceremony at 10:30.
Costume Contest Schedule
Judging will take place:
8:00am -8:30am at the BLACK Sisu Events Tent “Costume Contest” tent located toward the finish line area.
Course
Running Scared 5K Course
MapMyRun
https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/6612541004
RunGo
https://routes.rungoapp.com/route/oaLYqFMKZd
Defer/Transfer/Refund Policies
Deferral Policy
You will not be able to defer into next years event.
Event Transfer Policy
Transfer into a different distance or into the Virtual Race: Deadline is October 15th.
Once you log in you will want to click on your profile icon once more and click on PROFILE
From there you can click "Manage Registration".
To change events or transfer events, click on "Transfer Event"
Bib Transfer Policy
You can transfer your bib to someone else or gift it to someone else at no fee as well. Just log into your RunSignUp account to Bib Exchange.
Deadline for bib transfer is October 15th
Refund Policy
There are absolutely NO refunds, even in the event of race cancellation – NO exceptions.
Packet Pick Up Location
2101 Rexford Rd #50w
Charlotte, NC 28211 US
Packet Pickup Date & Time
October 24, 2025 1:00pm EDT - October 24, 2025 6:00pm EDT
Race Day Packet Pickup Time
7:45am EDT - 8:45am EDT
Description
*MOTION Fitness is located in the back left corner of the building...if you are facing the front of the building. You can drive around the left side of the building to find the entrance.
Parking
Runners can park at the National Gypsum Lot and the lot next door. There will NOT be parking at the race site parking lot. The South Park Mall lot is also very close.
National Gypsum: 2001 Rexford Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211
Next Door: 2115 Rexford Rd., Charlotte, NC 28211
