
From the Organizer
Run for a cause. Run with the Y. Bring your costume and join us for the 17th Annual Spooky Sprint 5K hosted by the Melrose Family YMCA. This family-friendly run/walk begins at the Y and travels through charming downtown Melrose and beautiful Pine Banks. Registration includes post-race refreshments, awards for top runners in every age category, and prizes for best costume. All proceeds support the YMCA of Metro North Annual Fund to provide access to YMCA child care, camp, and health and wellness programs to everyone.
NEW this year! Our "Family Rate" allows 4 participants from the same family household to register together for just $100. This rate is for family members only-- perfect for parents, kids, and siblings ready to get active together!
Race Details:
Saturday, October 31st, 8:30am Race Start
Packet pick-up for Pre-Registered Runners: 7:00am
Race day registration: 7:30am
Where: Melrose Family YMCA, 497 Main Street Melrose, MA 02176
Packet Pick-up & In-person Registration:
Friday, October 30th, 2:00pm-7:00pm
Melrose Family YMCA, 497 Main Street Melrose, MA 02176
Race Features:
Chip Timing by Bay State Race Services
Post race refreshments
Awards to top overall and the top finishers in each age group
Costume contest - if you would like to be considered for a prize, look for the costume photo booth and get your picture taken.
Those who register by Thursday, October 15th will receive a long sleeve t-shirt. Price increases as of Friday, October 16th. Be sure to register no later than Thursday, October 15th to receive your t-shirt!!!
The YMCA of Metro North Road Race Series raises funds for a variety of charitable activities that benefit our community. Participants in our four unique 5K races run or walk to support the YMCA of Metro North Annual Fund and raise money to provide access to YMCA child care, camp, and health and wellness programs to everyone. In 2025 the YMCA of Metro North provided more than $3 million in financial aid providing all children, adults and families with opportunities to develop a healthy spirit, mind and body regardless of income.
No refunds available.
Events
Weather
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
59°
Typical Low
37°
Chance of Rain
36%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Reading, 6 mi from the venue.
Host City
Population
29,488
as of 2023
Elevation
56 ft
Nearest Airport
BOS
Boston Logan International Airport · 7 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
A mid-size host city. Enough lodging and amenities to keep race weekend easy, without big-city sprawl.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Spooky Sprint 5K, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
Coming Up
Follow Me! 5K
Less than a mile away
Bill Feeney 5K
5 miles away
Irish American 5 & 10k Road Race
2 miles away
Breast Cancer Awareness 5K Run/Walk
Less than a mile away
From Endurance Grid
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.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
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)
Spooky Sprint 5K
Oct 31, 2026