Halloween, costume and Día de los Muertos runs, 2026
Halloween Races in Texas
Texas has 75 upcoming Halloween races on the RunSignup calendar between Oct 1 and Nov 3, 2026, in 53 cities. 30 races are on the weekend of Oct 31, 2026 (Oct 30 to Nov 1), 26 of them on Halloween itself. Houston (6), Temple (5), Fort Worth (4) and San Antonio (4) host the most. 68 include a 5K, 31 a half marathon, and 18 are Día de los Muertos runs. Current RunSignup entry fees run $10 to $55. Registration is open for 72.
Last updated Sep 25, 2026. Race data from RunSignup, refreshed every morning. Always confirm details on the official race page.
Every Texas race on RunSignup with a Halloween, haunted, pumpkin, zombie, costume or Día de los Muertos name between Oct 1 and Nov 3, grouped by weekend and region. Fees are the current RunSignup price tier for the cheapest adult entry (or the first tier, if registration hasn't opened), before processing fees. "Costumes" means the organizer's own description mentions costumes; "Kids' event" means a kids' race is listed on RunSignup, and "Mentions kids" that the description mentions kids or children.
Registration links go to RunSignup; Lone Star Strides may earn a referral commission at no cost to you. Races are matched by name, so a Halloween-weekend race without a Halloween name won't be listed here; see all October races in Texas.
What the organizers say about costumes
33 races mention costumes in their RunSignup description. In the organizers' own words:
“At the heart of the "Day of the Dead Half Marathon" is an exciting costume contest that invites runners to fully embrace the spirit of Dia de los Muertos.”
“At the heart of the "Day of the Dead Half Marathon is an exciting costume contest that invites runners to fully embrace the spirit of Dia de los Muertos.”
“Each participant is required to register, which will include a running bib, themed T-shirt for registrants before 10/05, and entry to the costume contest.”
“Awards will be given to the top three male and female zombie and top three male and female human finishers as well as the deadliest zombie and the scariest costume contest.”
“The Location will be at McAllister Park, Pavilion #2, (13298 Buckhorn Rd, San Antonio, TX 78247) Costume contest for the best Dia de los Muertos costume and many more surprises.”
“Lace up your running shoes, throw on your favorite family friendly costume, and join us for the Academie Musique 5K Boo Run—a fun-filled community event where every step helps build a…”
“The HalloWine Run is a 5k running/walking event that is family-friendly – dress up in costume, bring the kiddos and dance the day away “Monster Mash” style.”
“Whether you’re chasing a personal record, walking with family, or showing off your Halloween costume, Monster Dash is designed to be an unforgettable experience for runners and spectators of all ages!”
“Come dressed in your favorite Halloween costume or your best run gear.”
Types of Halloween races in Texas
Halloween 5Ks and fun runs. 68 of the 75 races include a 5K, the most common Halloween distance, and 38 add a mile, fun run or kids' event the same day. See all 5Ks in Texas.
Longer Halloween races. 37 races include a 10Kand31 races include a half marathon, so you can race a real distance in the Halloween spirit. See 10Ks in Texas and half marathons in Texas.
Día de los Muertos runs. 18 races celebrate Day of the Dead, including Day of the Dead Half Marathon - Austin (Oct 3, San Marcos), Day of the Dead Half Marathon - San Antonio (Oct 4, Live Oak), Day of the Dead Half Marathon - Dallas (Oct 10, Dallas) and Day of the Dead Half Marathon - Galveston (Oct 10, Galveston).
Costume runs. 33 organizers mention costumes in the listing. See what they say.
Tips for running a Halloween race
Test the costume on a training run. Wigs, capes and masks that feel fine standing still can chafe, slip or overheat at race pace. Do a short run in it the week before.
Keep your face and feet clear. Skip anything that blocks your view or trips you up, and race in your usual running shoes, not costume footwear.
Plan for Texas warmth. Late October afternoons can still be warm in much of Texas. Choose light, breathable layers and drink before the start. Our heat tips for Texas runners apply to costumes too.
Pin your bib where it shows. Put it on the outside of the costume so volunteers and timers can see it.
Read the race rules. Some organizers limit props, masks or strollers. The race page's description is the place to check.
Texas has 75 upcoming Halloween races on the RunSignup calendar between Oct 1 and Nov 3, 2026, in 53 cities. 30 races are on the weekend of Oct 31, 2026 (Oct 30 to Nov 1), 26 of them on Halloween itself. Houston (6), Temple (5), Fort Worth (4) and San Antonio (4) host the most. 68 include a 5K, 31 a half marathon, and 18 are Día de los Muertos runs. Current RunSignup entry fees run $10 to $55. Registration is open for 72.
What Halloween races are on Halloween weekend 2026?
30 Texas races are on the weekend of Oct 31, 2026: Panther Prowl Haunted Color Run (Oct 30, Odessa), Zombie Run (Oct 30, Gatesville), "Monster Mash Dash" Old Settlers 5K (Oct 31, Quitman), 6th Annual Nacogdoches Dia de Los Muertos: Day of the Dead Fun Run (Oct 31, Nacogdoches), Academie Musique's Boo Run 5K & Fun Run (Oct 31, Temple), Alamo City XC Halloween Meet (Oct 31, San Antonio), Camino De Los Muertos (Oct 31, Lewisville), Dia de los Muertos 5K (Oct 31, El Paso), Dia de los Muertos 5k Run / 1mi Walk - SISD x Aetna Health Expo 2026 (Oct 31, El Paso) and Dia De Los Muertos Not-So-Fun Run (Oct 31, Selma), plus 20 more.
How much does a Halloween race cost in Texas?
Current RunSignup entry fees for the Halloween races on this page run $10 to $55, before processing fees, counting each race's cheapest adult entry. Many raise the price in tiers as race day gets closer, so registering early is cheaper. Each race page shows every tier and when it ends.
Can you wear a costume to a Halloween race in Texas?
33 races on this page mention costumes in the organizer's own listing, including Day of the Dead Half Marathon - Austin (Oct 3, San Marcos), Day of the Dead Half Marathon - San Antonio (Oct 4, Live Oak), Day of the Dead Half Marathon - Dallas (Oct 10, Dallas), Day of the Dead Half Marathon - Galveston (Oct 10, Galveston), Pumpkin Run 10K, 5K & 1Mile (Oct 10, Grand Prairie) and The Great Pumpkin Dash (Oct 10, Waxahachie). Rules on costumes, masks and props are set by each organizer, so read the race description before you plan your outfit.
Are there Halloween races for kids in Texas?
31 races mention kids or children in the organizer's description, including Day of the Dead Half Marathon - Austin (Oct 3, San Marcos), Day of the Dead Half Marathon - San Antonio (Oct 4, Live Oak), Day of the Dead Half Marathon - Dallas (Oct 10, Dallas), Day of the Dead Half Marathon - Galveston (Oct 10, Galveston), Pumpkin Run 10K, 5K & 1Mile (Oct 10, Grand Prairie) and The Great Pumpkin Dash (Oct 10, Waxahachie). 22 races list a kids' event on RunSignup. Age rules and whether children need a separate entry vary, so check the race page before you register.
Are there Día de los Muertos races in Texas?
Yes. 18 races on this page have a Día de los Muertos or Day of the Dead name: Day of the Dead Half Marathon - Austin (Oct 3, San Marcos), Day of the Dead Half Marathon - San Antonio (Oct 4, Live Oak), Day of the Dead Half Marathon - Dallas (Oct 10, Dallas), Day of the Dead Half Marathon - Galveston (Oct 10, Galveston), Day of the Dead Half Marathon - Corpus Christi (Oct 11, Corpus Christi), Day of the Dead Half Marathon - Waco (Oct 11, Waco), Day of the Dead Half Marathon - Houston (Oct 17, Houston), Dia de Los Muertos 5k (Oct 17, Amarillo), Day of the Dead Half Marathon - Fort Worth (Oct 18, Fort Worth) and 16th Annual Día de los Muertos: 5K Run/Walk: (Oct 25, San Antonio), plus 8 more.
Where are the Halloween races in Texas?
The upcoming Halloween races are spread across Austin & Hill Country (8), Dallas–Fort Worth (15), Houston & Gulf Coast (14), San Antonio & South Texas (6), West Texas & El Paso (4), Panhandle & Lubbock (5), East Texas & Piney Woods (7), Central Texas (Waco, Bryan–College Station) (10) and Coastal Bend & Rio Grande Valley (6). The busiest weekend is Oct 31 with 30 races.
