Get ready for a spine-tingling race experience at the Running Scared 5K & 13K—where thrills, chills, and fast times collide!

Whether you’re brave enough to tackle the 5K or daring enough to conquer the 13K, this Halloween-themed event delivers a fun and festive atmosphere perfect for runners of all levels. Costumes are encouraged, so come dressed to impress (or frighten) as you take on a course filled with seasonal spirit.

We will gather at Rock Creek Park in Dawsonville, GA.

All athletes will receive a long-sleeve race shirt—perfect for those crisp fall mornings—and a custom finisher medal to commemorate their accomplishment.

For those looking to push their limits, take on the Deadly Double by completing both the 5K and the 13K. It’s the ultimate test of endurance and Halloween courage!

Competitive runners will have plenty to race for. Awards will be presented to the Top Three Male and Female Overall finishers in both the 5K and 13K, as well as the Top Three in Masters, Grand Masters, and Senior Masters Overall categories. In addition, the top three athletes in each of the traditional five-year age groups will receive awards in both race distances. For those taking on the Deadly Double, special recognition will be given to the Top Three Male and Female finishers who complete both races.

Whether you’re running for fun, fitness, or a frightfully good challenge, the Running Scared 5K & 13K is sure to be a hauntingly good time you won’t want to miss!

Event details and schedule

Regular Registration: (ends 10/10):

-5K: $35 (no shirt save $5)
-13K: $40 (no shirt save $5)
-Deadly Double: $60 (no shirt save $5)
-Virtual Races: $40

Late Registration: (ends 10/16):

-5K: $37.5 (no shirt save $5)
-13K: $42.5 (no shirt save $5)
-Deadly Double: $62.5 (no shirt save $5)

Race Day Registration:

-5K: $40 (no shirt save $5)
-13K: $45 (no shirt save $5)
-Deadly Double: $65 (no shirt save $5)

*All participants (Except No Shirt) registered by 10/07 are guaranteed race swag in your size. Afterwards it's while supplies last.

Awards & Goodies

 

Hoodie and sticker options available

 

We'll have awards as follows:

• Finisher Medals
• Top 3 Overall M/F
• Top 3 Overall Masters M/F 
• Top 3 Overall Grand Masters M/F 
• Top 3 Overall Sr. Grand Masters M/F
• Top 3 in each of the normal 5 year age groups 10 & Under through 75+.  

 

Everyone will get a race shirt guaranteed in their size until 10/9

Special awards:  Planning on dressing up?  We'll have a prize for the best costume, so grab all your fancy, creative, funny costumes and put them on. 

Course and Timing

Super Flat course inside Rock Creek Park...so it's super flat, family & spectator friendly! 

The 5K course is Certified, so it's a great opportunity to get a PR or a great time for the Peachtree.

Click here for the 13K course map

Click here for the 5K course map

 

Water Stations

We will have Self-Serve water stations approximately every 1.5 miles. If you are wanting to run fast and not stop, you might want to bring your own personal hydration.

Pacing

Participants will need to finish with at least a 16 min/mile pace.

 

 

Groups & Teams

Running is more F-U-N together, even if we're far apart! 

Grab your friends, co-workers, neighbors or family and participate as a TEAM.  Your TEAM can be local or across the states; virtual participants will have their shirts shipped!  Teams of 5 or more receive discounts off their registration, discounts below.

• 5+:  $2.50 off
• 11+:  $3.75 off
• 21+:  $5 off
• 51+:  $6.25 off
• 100+:  $7.50 off

Grab some friends to run with you, and grab great swag!

Virtual Running - How it works and Link for Time Submission

Can't make it out to the event site on race day?

Still want to participate or support the cause and have a shot at an award? or maybe you saw the shirt and said:  "Sweet...I want one!"  Then the virtual race is for you.  Run when & where you want, just submit your time by end of Race Day.  We'll ship out virtual packages the Monday after event date! *Shipping available for continental US only.

New to Virtual Running?  Here's how it works:

Step 1

Get excited, grab some friends and buddies to join you!  Sign up and register for the Running Scared 5K or 13K Virtual!

Step 2

Download your Custom Digital Bib below!  Hydrate, grab your buddy (or not) and get ready to get moving!

Step 3

Get out there and run or walk! You can run at the park, your favorite route in your neighborhood; anywhere you want.   Please remember to be safe!

Step 4

HAVE FUN!~

Share your distance, a selfie, or a picture along your race route and use the hashtag #RunningScared5k13k #fivestarrunning

Step 5

Submit your results directly on RunSignUp.com

You can submit your race time HERE on the Virtual Results page anytime until 11:59 PM.

Step 6

View your Virtual Results HERE Monday after the Event Date.

 

 

Five Star Championships & Turkey Trot

All participants will automatically qualify for (1) FREE entry into one of the 2025 Five Star Thanksgiving Turkey Trots.  See event website.
 

Top finishers will also have the opportunity to earn a spot in the Championships held in January 2026. The number of spots available is based on the total registration...see event website 

Event Courtesy & Refund Policy

Our events are designed to be fun for the entire family. With that in mind; any competitor, spectator, parent, volunteer, or sponsor, exhibiting unsportsmanlike
conduct or interfering with the positive, competitive atmosphere of the event will be immediately disqualified, asked to leave the venue and course immediately with no refunds.

All registrations are final. There are no refunds, deferments, or transfers.

Event will take place rain or shine. In the event of extreme weather, we will cancel for the safety of the participants...there are no refunds in this case.

Participants that do not show up to race/event forfeit their right to any swag.

No COVID-19 Refunds.  If unforeseen circumstances arise due to COVID-19, including any Federal or State Health Emergency, refunds will not be provided.  The event will go 100% Virtual & shirts will be shipped to participants.

Packet Pickup

We always do packet pickup on race morning starting one hour prior to the start of the race.  If we have an early pickup available, it will be added here.