2026 UNO Carrera De Las Muertos/Race of the Dead event

Chicago’s Most Unique 5K Race

Amid the lively colors and culture of Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood, runners and walkers come together to celebrate Día de los Muertos / Day of the Dead! Join us for our 18th edition!

Event details and schedule

UNO’s Carrera de los Muertos/Race of the Dead 5K is celebrating 16 years (our sweet sixteen) in Pilsen on Saturday, October 31 at 8:00 a.m.

EL BARRIO / The Neighborhood

The Pilsen neighborhood, located in the Lower West Side of Chicago, is steeped in history. Once an Eastern European immigrant enclave, glimpses of the Old World are still visible as baroque-style architectural buildings stand strong along Ashland Avenue and 18th Street. The neighborhood now boasts a unique, undeniable mix of Mexican culture and modern artistry. Walk down 18th to discover a fusion of authentic restaurants, tortillerias, mercados, and local panaderias alongside boutiques, bars and clubs. Lively art galleries, colorful murals and street art can be found throughout the community. No other community in Chicago is as vibrant as Pilsen for hosting a 5k run!

EL HORARIO / The Schedule 

Time

Activity

6:00 AM

Runner Activities Open (i.e. Gear Check, Food Sales, Face Painting, etc.)

7:00 AM

Entertainment begins

8:00 AM

RACE START

9:40 AM

MAIN STAGE – Presentation of Awards

11:30 AM

Event Ends

        

LA ENTREGA DE PAQUETE / The Packet Pick-up

Once you have registered you will be assigned a packet pick-up location and times which will be announced early-October. Please be advised, ALL runners must pick up their packets BEFORE race day. There will be NO Race Day Packet Pick-up.

 

EL TRANSPORTE / The Transport

We highly recommend utilizing public transportation for your convenience as street parking options are extremely limited. Two reliable bus routes, namely the 18th St Bus and the #9 Ashland Bus, are particularly convenient for reaching the event venue.

If you prefer an alternative transportation option, you can also consider taking the Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) Pink Line of the You can plan your trip using the CTA Trip Advisor, which offers detailed information on routes, schedules, and fares. It will provide you with all the necessary details to ensure a smooth journey to Pilsen.

LAS ACTIVIDADES / The Activities

Overall winners and runners who finish in the top three of their age division will be awarded a one-of-a-kind “sugar” skull decorated. Runners will be cheered on with entertainment throughout the race course, including live Latin Music, traditional folkloric dance groups and Chicago house music DJs. There will also be a post-race party with authentic and delectable Mexican and Latin American food set to music and a traditional Day of the Dead setting. Aside from that, kids activities related to Dia De Los Muertos will also take place after the race. 

THE HASTAGS/Las Etiquetas

#Carreradelosmuertos  #diadelosmuertos  #Pilsen  #Chicago

 

 *No Refunds/No Cancellations*

  UNO - It Takes Only ONE 

UNO began in 1984 when three community leaders envisioned a citywide organization to advocate for Latiné issues through institutionalized organizing, civic engagement, and leadership training. Through these efforts, UNO helped naturalize thousands of undocumented families, expanded and improved educational opportunities, and witnessed graduates of its leadership program become pivotal players in the political and economic arenas.

With new leadership and a recognition of the evolving needs of our community, we revitalized our focus in 2018 to empower young girls. This was achieved through a comprehensive and equitable well-being approach, synergetic partnerships, and a legacy of Latiné empowerment.