Will running a 5K dressed as a hot dog make you faster? Maybe. Will it add unadulterated all-beef joy to your run – and possibly your life? Absolutely.
Even self-described non-runners might enjoy sprinting for their lives like they’re being chased by zombies. Heck, you can BE the zombie if you want. Or a caterpillar. If running in costume isn’t your thing, how about spooky yoga, a blood-covered outdoor workout or a costumed paddled in a state that’s not Maine but close to Maine? (Hint: It’s New Hampshire.)
There are a host of Halloween-inspired active events coming up around the state. You can dress up as whatever you’d like – from Frankenstein to Toilet Paper Man.
Wicked 5k
10:30 a.m. Sunday, October 21
Starts and ends at Nonantum Resort, Kennebunkport
$20 in advance, $29 day of
wicked5k.weebly.com
The 5K course follows a purty fall route through the neighborhoods of Kennebunkport, which is lovely, but it’s the running-in-your-Halloween-costume that gets my attention. (Costumes aren’t required, but they sure make things more fun!) After party and awards at Nonantum (with PANCAKES!). There’s also a 1K fun run for kids at 10:15 a.m.
Seacoast Halloween Paddle Parade & Contest
9-11 a.m. Sunday, October 21
Pierce Island Boat Ramp, Portsmouth, NH
$10 in advance, $20 day of
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This Halloween paddle is open to all paddle craft (kayaks, SUPs, etc.). The paddle departs from the Pierce Island boat ramp at 9:30 a.m. and will be a leisurely paddle parade in front of the costume judges (so you should paddle and dress to impress). Register: www.eventbrite.com
Ladies’ Night SPOOKtacular: Paint Party Workout
6-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 25
Wolfpack Fitness, Auburn
$5
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Bring a t-shirt. Get (fake) bloody. Work out. There will even be a post-workout movie on the projector screen. BYOB and snacks for the after party. All fitness levels are welcome and even the exercise stations will be Halloween themed.
Allspeed Halloween Party & Ride
6-10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27
Allspeed Cyclery & Snow, Portland
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Costumes are encouraged for this group bike ride (head and tail lights on your bike are required). The ride leaves from the shop at 6 p.m. and the loop will take about 1.5 hours. Afterward, hang out for a pot luck. You bring some grub, Allspeed will supply the beer.
Spooky Sprint 5K run/walk
8 a.m. Saturday, October 27
$20 adults and $10 (14 and under) in advance, $25 adults and $15 (14 and under) day of race
Sanford-Springvale YMCA, 1 Emile Levasseur Dr., Sanford
sanfordymca.org/events/spooky-sprint-5k
If you sprint Halloween morning, you can pretty much eat all the candy you want in the evening, right? Right? Walk or run this family-friendly 5K. Kids fun run at 8:30 a.m. Race at 9 a.m.
ALSO: Check out the Haunted Trail Walk on Oct. 26 and 27.
Scare Me 5K
9 a.m. Saturday, October 27
Hybrid Fitness, Thomaston
$18 in advance, $20 day of race
runsignup.com
This costume-friendly 3.1-mile event is open to runners and walkers of all ages. Prizes are given for fastest man, fastest woman, and middle of the pack. So hey, we stand a chance! Costume prizes, too. Race proceeds benefit One Community Many Voices, a scholarship program to give people in need a “hand up,” instead of a “hand out.”
Wicked Weird and Totally Freaky Trick or Treat Trot by the Lake
9 a.m. (10K), 9:15 a.m. (5K), 9:25 (Wicked Walk) Saturday, October 27
Starts at Norway Town Office, Danforth Street, Norway
$35 (10K), $25 (5K), $10 (walk)
runsignup.com
The fourth annual! All ages and abilities are welcome. Sign up for the 10K, 5K, or Wicked Walk, and participate in whatever way you’d like (or that your costume will allow. I’m lookin’ at you, lady dressed as a mermaid). Post-race awards and entertainment, including a best costume competition. Proceeds support The Progress Center!
MVHS Zombie Run
2-5 p.m. Sunday, October 28
Hosmer Field, Hosmer Lane, Rumford
$20 in advance, $25 day of. Zombies $10
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If you only run when chased by the undead, this is your race. Zombies will try to eat you (aka, grab one of three flags on your belt) as you run the two one-mile laps. You can run, jog or walk – just don’t stop. Register: www.active.com
Great Pumpkin 10K
9:30 a.m. Sunday, October 28
Starts at intersection of Seaside Avenue and Route 9, Camp Ellis, Saco
$20
runsignup.com/Race/ME/Saco/GreatPumpkin10K
It’s a flat run with scenic views and a finish at Huot’s Seafood Restaurant. T-shirts to first 100 entrants.
Spooky Flow
6-7:15 Tuesday, October 30
Samudra Studio, 200 Main St, Saco
$15 drop-in
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Yoga in costume on Halloween eve. It’ll be a vinyasa flow in a room lit by candlelight and set to some spooky and inspiring music to get you in the Halloween spirit. Costumes and Halloween-inspired clothing encouraged. Glow-in-the-dark body paint will be provided.
