Save-the-Date
October 31, 2026
Amid the lively colors and culture of Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood, runners and walkers come together to celebrate Día de los Muertos / Day of the Dead!
Our Sponsors
We Value Our Sponsors & Partners: For more information on the opportunity to become a Sponsor, please contact us, at carrera@unochicago.org
19th Carrera de los Muertos
SOLD OUT!
Thank you for the incredible support. We look forward to welcoming our registered runners, walkers, and families to the 19th Annual Carrera de los Muertos on:
Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026
Location: Benito Juarez Community Academy
1450–1510 W. Cermak Rd., Chicago, IL 60608
Festival opens: 6:00 a.m.
Kick-Off: 8:00 AM
After-party: 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Race Day Information
Site Map
Plan your race-day experience! Use the event map to find the start and finish areas, participant services, sponsor and vendor booths, and other key locations.
Race Start & Corrals
The 5K begins promptly at 8:00 a.m. Arrive early, follow the corral signs, and listen to our volunteer ushers for directions to your starting area. Thank you for helping us create a safe and organized start for everyone!
Getting to Pilsen: Transportation & Parking
Explore Pilsen & Support Local Businesses
Make the most of your visit! Pilsen is known for its vibrant Mexican culture, colorful murals, art galleries, authentic Mexican restaurants, panaderías, mercados, and independent businesses.
Explore the neighborhood, visit our sponsor and vendor booths starting at 6:00 a.m., and support the local businesses that make Pilsen such a special community.
Join us for the inaugural La Carrera After-Party, a free community block party on Blue Island Avenue between Laflin Street and Cullerton Street.
Saturday, October 31 | 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Enjoy live music by Kombi Chicago, food trucks, a beer garden, wellness activities, and a limited-edition La Carrera merchandise pop-up.
Everyone is welcome! The race may end, but the celebration continues.
Nos vemos en Pilsen!
The Celebration Continues!
With 9,000 participants expected, we encourage everyone to plan ahead and use public transportation whenever possible.
CTA: The 18th Street Pink Line station and nearby CTA bus routes provide access to the event.
Carpool & Rideshare: Share a ride to help reduce neighborhood traffic.
Parking: Limited street parking is available. Please follow posted signs and residential permit restrictions.
Pilsen Parking is offering spaces at select lots throughout the neighborhood. See the parking information below for locations and details. Additional options may be available through SpotHero and ParkWhiz. Parking availability and fees are managed by individual providers.
What is
La Carrera de los Muertos® / Race of the Dead is a 5K fundraising race event that originated in Pilsen, Chicago in 2007. It has grown to become one of the premier 5Ks in the U.S.
This autumn race takes place annually in Chicago’s historic Pilsen neighborhood. Runners and walkers come together, both in person and virtually, to celebrate Día de los Muertos / Day of the Dead. Complete with costumes, entertainment, and food, it is a truly special event.
Owned and operated by UNO, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, La Carrera de los Muertos raises money for UNO programming, including the GirlsMPowered and RunHer programs.
Join us as a sponsor for La Carrera de los Muertos 2025! We need your support. Donate Now.
UNO Chicago
Support girls' access to mentorship, mental health, leadership & physical wellbeing. Help us build strong, confident leaders.
Thank You!
La Carrera Hightlights
18th Carrera de los Muertos - 2025
¡Fuimos por la 18!
On November 1, 2025, more than 8,000 participants, along with their family and friends, filled the streets of Pilsen, gathering at Benito Juarez Community Academy to honor loved ones and celebrate cultura, comunidad, and tradición.
This video captures the unforgettable moments, the energy, and the heart of our race, reflecting the joy, unity, and passion that define our 18th Carrera de los Muertos..
17th Carrera de los Muertos - 2024
Experience the vibrant spirit of our 17th Carrera de los Muertos! On November 2, 2024, over 7,000 runners filled the streets of Pilsen, gathering at Benito Juarez Community Academy to honor their loved ones and celebrate culture, community, and tradition. This video captures the unforgettable moments, the excitement, and the spirit of this race.
Our Sweet Sixteen Race - 2023
Relive the energy of our 16th Carrera de los Muertos!
On October 28, 2023, nearly 7,000 runners and spectators filled the vibrant streets of Pilsen, gathering at Benito Juarez Community Academy to celebrate culture, community, and tradition. This video captures the unforgettable moments, the excitement of the race, and the spirit of resilience that makes this race so special.

