GENERAL

What is Carrera de los Muertos?

Carrera de los Muertos® / Race of the Dead is a 5K fundraising race event that originated in Pilsen, Chicago. The first race took place in 2007, and it has since grown to become one of the premier 5Ks in the U.S.. Owned and operated by United Neighborhood Organization (UNO), a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Carrera de los Muertos raises money for UNO programming, such as the GirlsMPowered program.

This autumn race takes place annually in Chicago’s historic Pilsen neighborhood. Runners and walkers come together, both in person and virtually, to celebrate Día de los Muertos / Day of the Dead. Complete with costumes, entertainment, and food, it is a truly special event.

When is the Race?

The Traditional Race will take place Saturday morning, October 28, 2023, in Pilsen. The Virtual Race can be run anytime, anywhere.

Can anyone participate?

Yes! The race is open to participants of all ages, ability levels, and backgrounds. We welcome individuals of all backgrounds to join us in celebrating this cultural event.

How do I register?

Click here!

Do I have to register online?

Yes, we require all participants to register online. A trusted person can register for you if you need assistance.

What is required to register?

You will need an email address and a credit card to use for payment.

Is there a deadline to register for the Race?

Yes! We will send announcements via social media and through other channels when the race is close to selling out. Though there is no exact deadline, we encourage everyone to register as early as possible.

Does every participant need to provide an email address?

Every person 18 years of age and up is required to provide his/her individual email address. Each participant must sign a waiver form. Minors under 18 years need an adult to register for them and sign a waiver form on their behalf.

Does every participant need to register?

Yes, all participants will need to have an official registration to be on the course.

What do I get by registering?

Participants will receive a goodie bag with specially designed shirt, and a unique bib number. On race day, you will receive additional items, such as a medal at the finish line, a ticket for a free beer or churro (items subject to change), and other free cool stuff.

Virtual race participants will get their race shirts, bibs, and medals mailed to them.

Do you ship international (for virtual participants)?

No. Unfortunately, due to high shipping costs and delivery uncertainties, we will not be shipping goodie bags outside of the U.S.

Do You Offer Expedited Shipping for Virtual Participants?

No. We apologize, but we do not have the ability to process expedited orders.

For virtual race participants, there will be a hard deadline day to register if you would like to receive your race items by race day weekend. That date will be posted soon.

Can I register for the event on Race Day?

No, there will not be same day registration.

Can I walk the Race?

Yes! You may walk, jog, run, hop, or skip. Virtual Runners are free to bike, skate, swim, use the treadmill, etc. We just want you to have fun!

Do Race participants wear costumes?

Yes! Many people do! Part of what makes the holiday race so fun are the costumes and makeup.

Are pets allowed on the Race course?

Unfortunately, only service dogs are allowed on the course.

I registered as a virtual participant, but now I won’t be able to participate. Can I still get my shirt and other Goodie Bag items?

Yes. If you paid the race registration fee, we still mail your items to you.

I will not be able to participate. Can I transfer my registration to another person or move it to next year?

No. We are sorry but transfers between people or changing years is not allowed.

We do allow Traditional Race participants to change their entries to Virtual; their packets will be mailed with other virtual race participants.

What is a TEC shirt?

A shirt with moisture-wicking fabric. All timed runners will have the option of selecting a moisture-wicking shirt.

Is the design the same on both the cotton and moisture-wicking (TEC) shirts?

Yes, the design and colors are the same. Because of the difference in the fabric between cotton and moisture-wicking (TEC), there may be small variations in color between the two styles.

When will I receive shirt, bib and medal?

Traditional race participants will pick up their shirts and the rest of their packets (excluding medals) at packet pick-up. Dates to be posted in early-October.

Virtual participants will have their packages mailed to them, including their medals. Alerts on delivery dates will be sent out closer to the event date.

Can I get my bib personalized?

Yes, runners who would like to have their bibs personalized can do so by a certain date. We will send communication as the deadline nears.

Where do Race proceeds go?

Proceeds go to United Neighborhood Organization (UNO), a registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation based in Chicago, IL. Carrera de los Muertos is not just a race, but also a charity run and fundraiser. Your participation and support play a vital role in our efforts to impact young girls through our GirlsMPowered program and other career exposure programs.

Is my Race registration fee tax deductible?

No. Only contributions to UNO may be tax deductible. If you have questions about financial contributions, please email carrera@uno-online.org

Can I get a refund?

Unfortunately, we are not able to offer refunds for Carrera de los Muertos.

What if the Race in Pilsen is canceled?

We understand that unforeseen circumstances can sometimes disrupt our plans. In the event of any force majeure or unexpected situations that may arise, we assure you that we will act in the best interest of our participants, volunteers, and the community.

If UNO determines that it is necessary to cancel the in-person race in Pilsen, rest assured that we will handle the situation with careful consideration. Our priority will always be the safety and well-being of everyone involved. We encourage you to stay connected with us through our official channels, including our website and social media platforms, for the latest announcements and instructions.

Thank you for your understanding and unwavering support. Together, we can overcome any challenges that come our way and ensure that the spirit of Carrera de los Muertos shines bright.

DISCOUNTS

Do you offer group discounts?

In certain circumstances, UNO may offer discounted group rates to running clubs, schools, or businesses and organization, especially for large groups. For more information on group rates please email us at carrera@uno-online.org

Are there any discounts for individual runners?

From time to time, we will have flash day sales. Alerts of those discounts are posted across our social media pages. Be sure to follow us to stay up to date :).

WAIVERS

Am I required to sign a waiver form?

Yes. All participants, including both Traditional and Virtual Race participants, are required to sign and submit the Agreement and Liability Waiver including walkers, joggers, runners, skippers, bikers, wheelchair participants, and anyone else who directly or indirectly steps foot on ground. The ONLY exception is babies and toddlers in carriers and strollers; only the child’s adult guardian needs to sign a waiver form. Anyone who does not sign the waiver form will not be recognized as a race participant, and thus, will not be registered and receive a goodie bag.

TIMING AND RESULTS

Traditional Race participants will get a timed bib, and your results will be automatically recorded when you cross the finish line. Virtual Race participants will get an unchipped bib.

Do both Traditional and Virtual runners get a medal?

Yes, everyone is a winner! You will receive your medal when you cross the finish line. If you are running virtually, then you will receive it in your packet.

What if my medal arrives broken?

If your medal does not arrive safe and sound, please take a picture of it within 72 hours of arrival and email a copy to carrera@uno-online.org , and we will work with you to replace it.