Halloween Hustle 5K & Kids Dash

Halloween Hustle 5K & Kids Dash is scheduled for October 24, 2026 in Palatine, Illinois, with the Kids Dash at 8:30 a.m. and the 5K at 9:00. Costumes set the tone, and the day leans on community turnout as much as on running. Entry brings a long-sleeve shirt and a finisher medal, and the post-race party includes refreshments and an awards presentation. Proceeds go to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palatine.

A 9:00 a.m. start makes this an easy race to fit around the rest of a Saturday. For the 5K itself, the useful preparation is specificity: one weekly session at goal pace — say five repetitions of 1,000 meters with short recoveries — plus easy running the rest of the week. Kids get their own dash first, which is the simplest way to make the morning work for everyone in the family.