CARRERA DE LOS MUERTOS®

Course Map - click to enlarge

A one-of-a-kind cultural event!

Complete with a post-race festival that includes costumes, music, dancing and food!

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).

  • Packet pick-up dates will be announced in Early-October.

    In an effort to enhance race day experience, we will NO longer be offering RACE DAY PACKET PICK-UP. As a result, we will have an additional packet pick-up the evening before La Carrera.

    We look forward to seeing you soon!

    Last year’s pickup was at Dominican University (Pilsen) - Resource Center, 1815 S Paulina, Chicago, IL

    2024 Packet Pick-Up Schedule:
    • Saturday, October 26: 10:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
    • Sunday, October 27: 10:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.

    Please note: There will be NO race day packet pick-up again this year. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone.
    If you’re unable to attend the scheduled pick-up times, you may authorize a friend or family member to collect your packet for you. They will need your confirmation email, QR code, or a copy of your ID.
    Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you at the race!

  • Carrera 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 7,000 runners 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 rout 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.

  • We welcome the community to join us at:

    BENITO JUAREZ COMMUNITY ACADEMY
    1450 - 1510 W. Cermak Rd., Chicago, IL 60608

    We look forward to sharing this tradition with out Pilsen community.

  • 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 shirt

    Medal

    A special 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.

  • 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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La Carrera De Los Muertos: Chicago’s Most Unique 5k Race

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La Carrera De Los Muertos: Chicago’s Most Unique 5k Race *

Our Hero Sponsors

We Value Our Sponsors & Partners:  For more information on the opportunity to become a Sponsor, please contact us, at carrera@unochicago.org

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!

November 1, 2025

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Start time:  8:00 AM

$50 / $42 untimed

Secure your spot before prices rise on September 16th.

BENITO JUAREZ COMMUNITY ACADEMY
1450 - 1510 W. Cermak Rd., Chicago, IL 60608

By participating in Carrera, you are not just celebrating culture and tradition, you are empowering the next generation of girls. Proceeds support programs like GirlsMpowered and RunHer, which provide mentorship, mental health support, and wellness opportunities for young women.

What is Carrera de los Muertos?

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, Carrera de los Muertos raises money for UNO programming, including the GirlsMPowered and RunHer programs.

Join us as a sponsor for Carrera de los Muertos 2025! We need your support.  Donate Now.


UNO - It Only Takes One
Support girls' access to mentorship, mental health, leadership & physical wellbeing. Help us build strong, confident leaders.  

Thank You!

17th Carrera de los Muertos - 2024

Experience the vibrant spirit of our 18th Carrera de los Muertos! On November 2, 2024, over 8,000 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.

View the 2024 Race Day Album

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.

Our Partners and Past Sponsors