Running Scared 5K 2026 — Charlotte, NC

Charlotte's Largest and BEST Halloween Event! Make it a Tradition. The 9 th 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!