The countdown has begun!
Course Map - click to enlarge
Route Subject to Change. Check again closer to race day.
A one-of-a-kind cultural event!
Featuring a post-race festival that includes costumes, music, dancing and food!
La Carrera de los Muertos® is a 5k charity race event that was started in 2007 by United Neighborhood Organization (UNO) in Chicago, IL. The event promotes community health and wellness while raising funds for UNO programming. The autumn race takes place in Chicago’s historic Pilsen neighborhood.
Runners and walkers come together, both in person and virtually, to celebrate Latino traditions of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead).
November 1st, 2025
8:00 AM
$50 timed / $42 untimed Secure your spot before prices rise on September 16th.
BENITO JUAREZ COMMUNITY ACADEMY - 1450 - 1510 W. Cermak Rd., Chicago, IL 60608
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Packet pick-up dates will be announced in Early-October.
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Route Subject to Change.
As we prepare for the 2025 Carrera de los Muertos we want to inform our community about the necessary street closures. With an impressive turnout of over 8,000 runners and spectators expected, these temporary closures are vital for the safety and success of the event.
Several streets along the race route will be closed and we kindly request that all vehicles parked along the race route be relocated during the specified times. Any cars left on the street will be towed at the owner’s expense.
For specific details regarding the affected streets, kindly refer to the race map and list of streets here:
We also extend a warm invitation to everyone to come out and support our runners along the race route. Join us in cheering for their remarkable efforts! Additionally, we welcome you to be part of our vibrant post-race festivities.
Thank you for your cooperation and enthusiasm. We look forward to sharing this tradition with our Pilsen community.
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LONG-SLEEVED RACE SHIRT
Timed (Adult) - Runners will receive a moisture-wicking (TEC) shirt
Timed (Youth) - Runner will receive a cotton youth size. They may choose adult size moisture-wicking (TEC) shirt.
Untimed - Runners will receive a cotton shirtMEDAL
A special La Carrera de los Muertos® medal at the race finish line
BIB
All registered participants receive a bib with their race number. Timed bibs will have a timing chip attached to the back of the bib.
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Traditional Race participants will get a timed bib, and your results will be automatically recorded when you cross the finish line.
Every participant is a winner and every participant gets a medal!
Top winners in each Race category will receive a special Calavera award, presented on stage on Race Day.
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After you run/walk the 5k, join us for our awards ceremony and post-race festival!
On-stage entertainment includes mariachi music and folkloric dancing. There will also be food, beverages, unique artisan goods for sale, and fun sponsor giveaways.
We welcome the community to join us at:
BENITO JUAREZ COMMUNITY ACADEMY
1450 - 1510 W. Cermak Rd., Chicago, IL 60608 -
2025 photos will be posted after the event.
Enjoy 2024 photos here.
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La Carrera de los Muertos® would not be possible without volunteers!
Throughout October, we have various opportunities for you to lend a helping hand and be part of this extraordinary event. From hydrating runners to distributing medal, there's a perfect role waiting for you.
Join the Crew and make a difference! Discover all the exciting volunteer opportunities and register now by clicking the button below. Your support makes it all possible! -
You have questions? We have answers!
FAQs
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Located on Chicago’s Lower West Side, Pilsen is a showcase of creativity and diversity. Forbes names it as one of the “Coolest Neighborhoods in the World” and it’s easy to see why! When you’re running through Pilsen, you’ll be surrounded by colorful murals depicting Latino culture. Taquerías, panaderías, coffee shops and boutiques add to the ambience of this special enclave of Chicago.
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Yes! The race is open to participants of all ages, ability levels, and backgrounds. We welcome individuals of all backgrounds to join us in celebrating this cultural event.
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You will need an email address and a credit card to use for payment.
We require all participants to register online. A trusted person can register for you if you need assistance.
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Yes, all participants will need to have an official registration to be on the course.
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Every person 18 years of age and up is required to provide his/her individual email address. Each participant must sign a waiver form. Minors under 18 years need an adult to register for them and sign a waiver form on their behalf.
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Participants will receive a goodie bag with specially designed shirt, and a unique bib number. On race day, you will receive additional items, such as a medal at the finish line, a ticket for a free beer or churro (items subject to change), and other free cool stuff.
Virtual race participants will get their race shirts, bibs, and medals mailed to them.
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Yes! We will send announcements via social media and through other channels when the race is close to selling out. Though there is no exact deadline, we encourage everyone to register as early as possible.
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No, there will not be same day registration.
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Yes! You may walk, jog, run, hop, or skip. Virtual Runners are free to bike, skate, swim, use the treadmill, etc. We just want you to have fun!
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Yes! Many people do! Part of what makes the holiday race so fun are the costumes and makeup.
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Only service dogs are allowed on the course.
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No. We are sorry but transfers between people or changing years is not allowed.
We do allow Traditional Race participants to change their entries to Virtual; their packets will be mailed with other virtual race participants.
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No. Unfortunately, due to high shipping costs and delivery uncertainties, we will not be shipping goodie bags outside of the U.S.
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No. We apologize, but we do not have the ability to process expedited orders.
For virtual race participants, there will be a hard deadline day to register if you would like to receive your race items by race day weekend. That date will be posted soon.
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Yes. If you paid the race registration fee, we still mail your items to you.
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A shirt with moisture-wicking fabric. All timed runners will have the option of selecting a moisture-wicking shirt.
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Yes, the design and colors are the same. Because of the difference in the fabric between cotton and moisture-wicking (TEC), there may be small variations in color between the two styles.
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Traditional race participants will pick up their shirts and the rest of their packets (excluding medals) at packet pick-up. Dates to be posted in early-October.
Virtual participants will have their packages mailed to them, including their medals. Alerts on delivery dates will be sent out closer to the event date.
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Yes, everyone is a winner! You will receive your medal when you cross the finish line. If you are running virtually, then you will receive it in your packet.
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If your medal does not arrive safe and sound, please take a picture of it within 72 hours of arrival and email a copy to Carrera@UNOChicago.org , and we will work with you to replace it.
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Yes, runners who would like to have their bibs personalized can do so by a certain date. We will send communication as the deadline nears.
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Proceeds go to United Neighborhood Organization (UNO), a registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation based in Chicago, IL. Carrera de los Muertos is not just a race, but also a charity run and fundraiser. Your participation and support play a vital role in our efforts to impact young girls through our GirlsMPowered program and other career exposure programs.
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No. Only contributions to UNO may be tax deductible. If you have questions about financial contributions, please email Carrera@UNOChicago.org
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Unfortunately, we are not able to offer refunds for Carrera de los Muertos.
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We understand that unforeseen circumstances can sometimes disrupt our plans. In the event of any force majeure or unexpected situations that may arise, we assure you that we will act in the best interest of our participants, volunteers, and the community.
If UNO determines that it is necessary to cancel the in-person race in Pilsen, rest assured that we will handle the situation with careful consideration. Our priority will always be the safety and well-being of everyone involved. We encourage you to stay connected with us through our official channels, including our website and social media platforms, for the latest announcements and instructions.
Thank you for your understanding and unwavering support. Together, we can overcome any challenges that come our way and ensure that the spirit of Carrera de los Muertos shines bright.
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In certain circumstances, UNO may offer discounted group rates to running clubs, schools, or businesses and organization, especially for large groups. For more information on group rates please email us at carrera@unochicago.org
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From time to time, we will have flash day sales. Alerts of those discounts are posted across our social media pages. Be sure to follow us to stay up to date :).
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Yes. All participants, including both Traditional and Virtual Race participants, are required to sign and submit the Agreement and Liability Waiver including walkers, joggers, runners, skippers, bikers, wheelchair participants, and anyone else who directly or indirectly steps foot on ground. The ONLY exception is babies and toddlers in carriers and strollers; only the child’s adult guardian needs to sign a waiver form. Anyone who does not sign the waiver form will not be recognized as a race participant, and thus, will not be registered and receive a goodie bag.
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Traditional Race participants will get a timed bib, and your results will be automatically recorded when you cross the finish line. Virtual Race participants will get an unchipped bib.
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