Running Scared 5K

🎃 Event Overview

Charlotte's Largest and BEST Halloween Event!

Make it a Tradition.

The 9th Annual MOTION Running Scared 5K presented by National Gypsum will take place on October 24th, 2026 at 8:30am. This family fun event encourages participants to have fun, be creative, and dress up in costumes. Costumes are of course encouraged but not required. Enjoy a 5K race through and around South Park area of Charlotte. There will be activities for the kids (face painting, games, etc.), Food Trucks, Beer, Music, and more!

Proceeds are going to Carolina Breast Friends.

👕 Participant Benefits

• Shirt: High Quality shirt. We will have Unisex short sleeve shirts so please size yourself with that in mind. You must register before October 10th to be guaranteed a choice of shirt: GHOST, MONSTER, PUMPKIN, OR REGULAR. Anyone registered AFTER October 11th will be given a REGULAR event shirt...while inventory lasts.
• Medals: Finisher Medals guaranteed for the 5K Only. We will now have a mix of medals for the Monster Milers...yahoo!
• Giveaways: Great giveaways from our sponsors.
• Fun: Face painting, costume contest, etc.

📅 Packet Pickup

• Date & Time: Friday, October 24th, 2026: 1:00PM – 6:00PM.
• Location: MOTION Fitness, 2101 Rexford Rd #50w, Charlotte, NC 28211.
• Race Day Pickup: Saturday, October 24th, 2026: 7:15AM – 8:15AM.
• Location: MOTION Fitness, 2101 Rexford Rd #50w, Charlotte, NC 28211.

🏃‍♂️ Race Schedule

• 5K Start: 8:30AM.
• Awards Ceremony: 9:15AM.

👕 Timing and T-Shirts

• T-Shirts: Every participant will receive a t-shirt if signed up before October 10th. Shirts are ordered based on the sizes indicated during online registration. NO SWITCHING SIZES – NO EXCEPTIONS!
• Timing: We have partnered with Start 2 Finish to time this years event using Chronotrack Timing Systems. All 5K participants will be timed and will receive their disposable timing tag during packet pick up.

🏆 Awards and Divisions

• Divisions: Overall, Masters, 12 and under, 13-18, 19-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70 and over.
• Awards: Top 3 Males and Females Overall and 1st place in all age groups.
• Claiming Awards: As results become available, runners will be able to claim their awards at the awards ceremony prior to the last participant finishing. We do NOT ship unclaimed awards.
• Notes: Sisu Events reserves the right to add/delete categories and awards prior to race based on participation.

💸 Refunds, Transfers, and Time Limits

• Refunds: Registration fees are non-refundable. Event registrations are non-transferable between individuals, events, or years.
• Time Limit: The 5K is for runners and we have to stick to a 15 minute pace limit per CMPD in order for them to open the roads. If you are walking slower than that, you may be asked to use the sidewalks to finish.

🚑 Medical and Safety

• First Aid: There will be a RED medical tent located at the finish line in case of emergency or any medical needs. Announcements can always be made at the DJ booth as well.
• Weather Policy: Races are held, rain or shine, unless Sisu Events determines that conditions are too dangerous. If the race is canceled due to inclement weather there will be neither refunds nor transfers.

🅿️ Parking and Expo

• Parking: PLEASE arrive in time to park. There are many available parking lots near the start finish area.
• Expo: At the Running Scared 5K Expo you will find exhibitors, great giveaways from our sponsors, and kids face painting.

🎶 Entertainment

We are so excited to have music and entertainment at the Start and Finish line to energize the runners and maintain the fun!