Day of The Dead 5K & 10k logo
running

Day of The Dead 5K & 10k

Date
October 25, 2026
Distance
Day Of The Dead 5k · Calaveritas Run · Day Of The Dead 10k

From the Organizer

Event Location

  • Date & Time: Sunday, October 25, 2026
    Location: Wild Runners Fair Oaks, 10149 Fair Oaks Blvd, Fair Oaks, CA

Participant Packet Pick Up

  • Saturday, October 24, 2026, 10 am – 4 pm
  • Race Day, Sunday, October 25, 2026, 6:30am - 7:30 am
  • Location: Wild Runners Fair Oaks, 10149 Fair Oaks Blvd,  Fair Oaks Ca 95628

Race Day Schedule

  • 6:30 am - 7:30 am: Race day registration and packet pick up
  • 7:30 am: All final items dropped off for the La Ofrenda
  • 8:05 am - Kids Races begin
  • 8:20 am - Day of the Dead progression to starting line
  • 8:30 am - Day of the Dead 5k/10k race begins
  • 9:30 am - Awards ceremony and costume contest

Swag & Event

All participants receive:

  • Bib number, timing device and safety pins
  • Short-sleeved event shirt
  • Finisher medal
  • Coupon for one-free tamale for each participant*
  • Special offers from our sponsors

* Redeemable only at the post-event expo and festival on October 25, 2026. 

  • Family-Friendly Walk/Run Events: The Day of the Dead 5k has something for every generation to enjoy from a 5k for adults to our Kid Races. 
    Live Entertainment: Immerse yourself in Mexican tradition with live music and performances. With stilt walkers and live music, transport yourself to another time as we pay homage to the cultural heritage of our grandparents.
  • La Ofrenda: To honor loved ones who have passed, bring offerings, such as photographs, flowers, nostalgic items, and foods as we create a collective space of remembrance and gratitude.  All items should be placed on La Ofrenda by 7:30am in front of the Wild Runners store at 10149 Fair Oaks Blvd.
  • Antojitos Delights: Enjoy the flavors and culinary delights that our grandparents cherished. In addition to free home-made tamales for race participants, indulge in the food and delectable treats of Mexican heritage.
  • Post-Race Festival and Expo: Unwind and connect with fellow participants post race! Explore our Community Partner and vendor booths showcasing the latest in fitness, wellness, and recovery services.  

5k Course

The race kicks off with a 0.5-mile downhill through the charming Old Fair Oaks Village neighborhood and over the bridge. Following a 3.2-mile out-and-back path along the picturesque American River Trail towards Bannister Park, the course remains entirely on paved roads and trails, catering to participants of all abilities and those with strollers.  The race concludes with an approximate half-mile ascent back to the finish line.

Day of the Dead 5k race course - Wild Runners Fair Oaks

Awards & Age Divisions

Awards ceremony to follow event at 9:30 a.m. for the 5k and costume contest. Prizes for overall male and female winners will be presented. Top three finishers in each age division will receive a special prize. Age-group winners pick up prizes at the Awards table.

Top boy and girl finishers in the 1/4 and 1/2 mile races will receive a special prize. All other kid finishers will receive medals.

Top 3 finishers in the male and female races will respectively receive: 

  • 1st Place: $100 gift card to Wild Runners
  • 2nd Place: $50 gift card to Wild Runners
  • 3rd Place: $25 gift card to Wild Runners

1st place finishers in each Age Group (5k Run) will receive a free pair of socks from our sponsor from OS1st:
12 & Under, 13-15, 16-18, 19-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+

Costume Contest:

  • 1st Place: $100 gift card to Wild Runners
  • 2nd Place: $50 gift card to Wild Runners
  • 3rd Place: $25 gift card to Wild Runners

Rules & Guidelines for all entrants*

  • Bib numbers must not be altered, should be worn on the front of the runner, and be visible.
  • No unregistered runners, walkers or pacers.
  • Wearing headphones is discouraged.
  • No bicycles.
  • Your pup is welcome to participate in the 5k race (always on leash and after signing a waiver).
  • Strollers are welcome.
  • Walkers/runners of all abilities and capabilities welcome. 
  • Shirts are not guaranteed for the late registration ( you can ask for previos year shirt)

* No refunds 

Distances & Pricing

Day Of The Dead 5k8:30 AMRegister →
Calaveritas Run8:05 AMRegister →
Day Of The Dead 10k8:05 AMRegister →

Race Location

About This Sport

From Endurance Grid's Founder

Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.

The 10K is the distance where running stops feeling like a starting point and starts feeling like a sport. Long enough to require a real training block. Short enough that race day is fully manageable for a first-timer who's put in the work.

Race day energy at a 10K is community at its best — strangers cheering you by name, people moving toward the same goal, an atmosphere that solo training can't replicate. It's fast enough that you'll spend the whole race pushing rather than managing your effort.

This is also the distance that builds the base for everything else. Most athletes who go on to run half marathons, do triathlons, or compete in HYROX started here. What you need: running shoes fitted to your stride, a training plan, and the race on your calendar. The registration is what makes the deadline real.

How long to train: 4–8 weeks for most fitness levels.

Running

From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Day of The Dead 5K & 10k?
Day of The Dead 5K & 10k is a running event held in Fair Oaks, CA. Learn more about the different endurance sports here.
When and where is the Day of The Dead 5K & 10k?
Sunday, October 25, 2026 in Fair Oaks, CA at 10149 Fair Oaks Blvd, Fair Oaks, CA. Check the official event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
How do I register for the Day of The Dead 5K & 10k?
Registration is handled through their official registration page. Confirm pricing, distances available, and sign up there.

Day of The Dead 5K & 10k

Oct 25, 2026

Register →