Carrera de los Muertos
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La Carrera de los Muertos : Chicago, IL
La Carrera de los Muertos is a charity 5K held annually in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood. Established in 2007 and organized by United Neighborhood Organization (UNO), the event brings together in-person and virtual participants to observe Día de los Muertos traditions while promoting community health and wellness.
The event includes a post-race festival with live on-stage entertainment such as mariachi music and folkloric dancing, plus food, artisan vendors, and sponsor giveaways. Many participants wear costumes and face paint. All registered participants receive a bib and a finish-line medal; timed participants receive a chip-enabled bib and an official finishing time. Top winners in each category receive a Calavera award presented on stage.
Registered participants receive a goodie bag with an official race shirt. Timed adult shirts are moisture-wicking technical (TEC) fabric; youth timed shirts and untimed shirts are cotton. Virtual participants are mailed their shirts, bibs, and medals; items for virtual participants must be ordered by 9/15/2026 to arrive by race weekend. Packet pickup dates are announced in early October.
Proceeds support UNO programming, including GirlsMPowered and RunHer, which offer mentorship, mental health support, leadership development, and wellness opportunities for young people. The event is based at Benito Juarez Community Academy in Pilsen and regularly requires temporary street closures along the race route for safety. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
