Day of The Dead 5K
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Event overview
The Day of The Dead 5K takes place on Sunday, October 26, 2025 in Fair Oaks, CA, centered at Wild Runners Fair Oaks, 10149 Fair Oaks Blvd. The event uses a "Remembering Our Best Friends" theme and includes a 5k race and kids races (Calaveritas). Participants are encouraged to wear Día de los Muertos outfits, spooky costumes, or the event shirt. The event features live music and stilt walkers, a La Ofrenda for offerings placed in front of the Wild Runners store, and a post-race festival and expo with community partners and vendor booths.
Course, distances, amenities and rules
The 5k course starts in Old Fair Oaks Village, includes a 0.5-mile downhill through the village and over a bridge, follows a 3.2-mile out-and-back path along the American River Trail toward Bannister Park, is entirely on paved roads and trails, and finishes with an approximate half-mile ascent. Distances:
- 5k
- 0.25 mile kids race (under 6)
- 0.50 mile kids race (ages 7-10)
Packet pickup occurs at Wild Runners Fair Oaks the day before and on race day. All participants receive a bib, timing device, safety pins, a short-sleeved event shirt, a finisher medal, and a coupon for one free tamale (redeemable at the post-event expo and festival on October 25, 2025). Awards include prizes for overall male and female winners, age-group prizes, and prizes for top kids; cash-equivalent gift cards are listed for top finishers and the costume contest. Rules note that bibs must be worn on the front, no unregistered participants or bicycles, strollers are allowed, dogs are allowed on leash with a waiver, headphones are discouraged, and there are no refunds. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.