Celebrate Carrera de los Muertos/Race of the Dead 5K 10th Anniversary on October 29.

  CHICAGO, IL - 10/07/2016 (PRESS RELEASE JET)

Runners, walkers and Día de los Muertos enthusiasts can be part of the spiritual tradition and celebration during the Carrera de los Muertos/Race of the Dead 5K on Saturday, October 29, 2016 from 8 a.m. to noon.

The popular 5K Race/Walk is the original Día de los Muertos race in the U.S. and the only 5K race that runs through Pilsen in Chicago. This race coincides with the Day of the Dead, a Mexican tradition rooted in Mesoamerican culture. For centuries, this holiday—based on All Souls’ Day—honored the deceased by allowing their living loved ones to create altars and set up “ofrendas”.

“Many people identify with the Day of the Dead holiday in their own way,” says United Neighborhood Organization’s Interim Executive Director, Solskin Gomez-Krogh. “In its 10th year, UNO continues to bring this ritual of personal importance to the Chicago community as an outlet to celebrate their loved ones.” 

The 5K race kicks off at 8 a.m. at Addams/Medill Park, 1301 W. 14th St. in Chicago. The 3.1-mile course takes participants of all ages through the colorful streets of Pilsen, Chicago’s most culturally rich and vibrant neighborhood. Runners will be cheered on by local mariachis, folkloric dance groups, DJs spinning high-energy music along with spirited spectators and volunteers.

Afterward, a post-race awards party is scheduled back at Addams/Medill Park. Participants and the public can enjoy live entertainment on stage, try authentic food and beverages and buy from artisans and merchants. A family-friendly area with Día de los Muertos activities will be part of the festivities.  

In the 5K, a hand-decorated, one-of-a-kind collectible “calavera” (skull) awaits the top three male and female overall finishers in their respective age categories. Also, a special 10th-anniversary commemorative medal will be given to timed runners completing the race.

The final day to register online at http://www.unoraceofthedead.org is October 16, 2016. 

The registration fee is $49 for timed runners. The timed fee includes instant access to personalized race result via text, a special edition race tech shirt, a commemorative anniversary finisher medal, giveaways and more. Event information: www.unoraceofthedead.org or 312-432-6301. Find us on Facebook @UNO 5K - Carrera de los Muertos, Twitter @UNOCarrera and Instagram @uno5K.  

About UNO’s Carrera de los Muertos
UNO is a 501(c) (3) community group established in 1984 to empower Chicago Hispanics through classic grassroots organizing strategies. Today, UNO seeks to enable the economic self-sufficiency of Latinos through education, entrepreneurship, leadership and civic engagement. The Carrera de los Muertos was created to join community vibrancy and the tradition of the Day of the Dead/Día de los Muertos revelry with UNO’s commitment to family wellness and active lifestyles. The two came together to give runners/walkers one of Chicago’s most lively and colorful races. www.uno-online.org