Run Hard into Halloween with These Costume Dashes

Who knew when Rugged Races started a few years back that Mark Cuban would invest $1.75 million into it on “Shark Tank” and launch it into the race everyone wants to run? After several years of Rugged Maniac, the same team brought Costume Dash last year in Boston. Racers dress up in whatever outrageous, hilarious or spooky get-up they want and run through one of America’s favorite cities. This year the race has expanded to San Francisco and Charlotte. Costume Dash is the perfect way to be active in a hilarious way with all your friends.

“The whole philosophy behind what we do is getting people more active, outdoors and off of their couches; be active and have fun doing it,” said Rob Dickens, COO of Rugged Races. “Hopefully that builds a culture, community and lifestyle for our attendees—then they’ll start doing more things that are outdoors and fun while being active. It promotes a healthy lifestyle.”

Here are the three locations and what they offer on Race Day:

1. Boston

Photo by Little Koshka

The Boston 5k is back for the second time and is ready to party. On Oct. 29 at 9 a.m., runners will start out in Copley Square where the 200-hundred-year-old Trinity Church pops against Boston’s modern skyscrapers. After running through the capital in outrageous costumes, racers will finish at Boston Common. Participants can get a taste of the best drinks in town through a Harpoon-sponsored pub-crawl including favorites like Beantown Pub and The Pour House.

2. San Francisco

Photo by Pedro Javier Jimenez

Ever wanted to see the Painted Ladies? Have you ever been able to see the Golden Gate Bridge in all its glory? You can at the San Francisco 5k On Oct. 30 at 8:30 a.m., racers will start their wacky and fun run at Golden Gate Park. No doubt you’ll bump into a few locals and San Fran’s notorious hills. But don’t worry; those slopes won’t kill you … hopefully. Even if they do, you’ll have free access to the city’s best bars and free merchandise as a reward.

3. Charlotte

Photo by Valerie

The Queen City is the perfect place for a morning run, especially in costume with all your friends. Racers will start and finish the Charlotte 5k at Inside Out Sports on Oct. 29 at 5 p.m. Afterward running through the historic South End, runners can look forward to an after-party at Draught Charlotte, an up and coming sports and craft beer bar.

If you live near one of these four major cities—or if you’re feeling up for a road trip—the Costume Dash is the perfect way to celebrate Halloween in a new, active way. Which sounds more fun: hitting the gym (again), or running around a cool town dressed up as Batman? You decide.

McGee Nall is a travel intern with Paste and a freelance writer based out of Athens, Georgia.