Cats & Bats Haunted 5K

Cats & Bats Haunted 5K takes place in Aberdeen, Maryland, on October 31, 2026, with both the 5K and the 1-mile fun run starting at 8:00 a.m. You can take part in person or complete the distance virtually. Every athlete receives a race shirt and a commemorative medal, and the fastest finishers earn overall and age-group awards. Timing is handled by Blue Cheetah Sports Timing, LLC, and your entry supports the National PTSD Foundation.

Accurate chip timing matters if you are hunting a personal best, since it gives you a number you can actually compare with your last race. The 5K rewards a short, focused build: three or four easy runs a week plus one session of hard repetitions is plenty over six weeks. The 1-mile option is the better pick for kids, first-timers, or anyone treating the morning as a costumed walk.