Day of The Dead 5K & 10k

Event Location

Date & Time: Sunday, October 25, 2026

Location: Wild Runners Fair Oaks, 10149 Fair Oaks Blvd, Fair Oaks, CA

Participant Packet Pick Up

Saturday, October 24, 2026, 10 am – 4 pm

Race Day, Sunday, October 25, 2026, 6:30am - 7:30 am

Location: Wild Runners Fair Oaks, 10149 Fair Oaks Blvd,  Fair Oaks Ca 95628

Race Day Schedule

6:30 am - 7:30 am: Race day registration and packet pick up

7:30 am: All final items dropped off for the La Ofrenda

8:05 am - Kids Races begin

8:20 am - Day of the Dead progression to starting line

8:30 am - Day of the Dead 5k/10k race begins

9:30 am - Awards ceremony and costume contest

Swag & Event

All participants receive:

Bib number, timing device and safety pins

Short-sleeved event shirt

Finisher medal

Coupon for one-free tamale for each participant*

Special offers from our sponsors

* Redeemable only at the post-event expo and festival on October 25, 2026. 

Family-Friendly Walk/Run Events: The Day of the Dead 5k has something for every generation to enjoy from a 5k for adults to our Kid Races. 

Live Entertainment: Immerse yourself in Mexican tradition with live music and performances. With stilt walkers and live music, transport yourself to another time as we pay homage to the cultural heritage of our grandparents.

La Ofrenda: To honor loved ones who have passed, bring offerings, such as photographs, flowers, nostalgic items, and foods as we create a collective space of remembrance and gratitude.  All items should be placed on La Ofrenda by 7:30am in front of the Wild Runners store at 10149 Fair Oaks Blvd.

Antojitos Delights: Enjoy the flavors and culinary delights that our grandparents cherished. In addition to free home-made tamales for race participants, indulge in the food and delectable treats of Mexican heritage.

Post-Race Festival and Expo: Unwind and connect with fellow participants post race! Explore our Community Partner and vendor booths showcasing the latest in fitness, wellness, and recovery services.  

5k Course

The race kicks off with a 0.5-mile downhill through the charming Old Fair Oaks Village neighborhood and over the bridge. Following a 3.2-mile out-and-back path along the picturesque American River Trail towards Bannister Park, the course remains entirely on paved roads and trails, catering to participants of all abilities and those with strollers.  The race concludes with an approximate half-mile ascent back to the finish line.

Awards & Age Divisions

Awards ceremony to follow event at 9:30 a.m. for the 5k and costume contest. Prizes for overall male and female winners will be presented. Top three finishers in each age division will receive a special prize. Age-group winners pick up prizes at the Awards table.

Top boy and girl finishers in the 1/4 and 1/2 mile races will receive a special prize. All other kid finishers will receive medals.

Top 3 finishers in the male and female races will respectively receive: 

1st Place: $100 gift card to Wild Runners

2nd Place: $50 gift card to Wild Runners

3rd Place: $25 gift card to Wild Runners

1st place finishers in each Age Group (5k Run) will receive a free pair of socks from our sponsor from OS1st:

12 & Under, 13-15, 16-18, 19-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+

Costume Contest:

1st Place: $100 gift card to Wild Runners

2nd Place: $50 gift card to Wild Runners

3rd Place: $25 gift card to Wild Runners

Rules & Guidelines for all entrants*

Bib numbers must not be altered, should be worn on the front of the runner, and be visible.

No unregistered runners, walkers or pacers.

Wearing headphones is discouraged.

No bicycles.

Your pup is welcome to participate in the 5k race (always on leash and after signing a waiver).

Strollers are welcome.

Walkers/runners of all abilities and capabilities welcome. 

Shirts are not guaranteed for the late registration ( you can ask for previos year shirt)

* No refunds