Get ready to lace up your running shoes and don your spookiest costume because the 12th Annual “Even More Spooktacular River Run” is coming to Yuba City, California, on Saturday, October 26. This ghoulishly fun event promises a hauntingly good time for runners, walkers, and Halloween enthusiasts of all ages.
Location and Date
The Spooktacular River Run from our Halloween Guide 2024 will take place at Gauche Park in Yuba City, California. For those unfamiliar with the area, Yuba City is about 42 miles north of Sacramento, or about an hour’s drive. It’s also just 46 miles south of Chico, making it a perfect spot for Northern California residents looking for some Halloween-themed fitness fun.
A Run to Remember
This isn’t your average 5K or 10K run. The Spooktacular River Run combines the thrill of a race with the excitement of Halloween, creating an event that’s as much about having fun as it is about crossing the finish line. Participants can choose between a 5K run/walk or a more challenging 10K run, both of which take place on a paved surface along the scenic Feather River levees.
Schedule of Spooky Events
The day kicks off early for all you early birds and zombies:
- 8:00 a.m. – Registration opens (perfect for those last-minute decision-makers)
- 9:00 a.m. – 10K run begins (for the serious runners and overachieving monsters)
- 9:30 a.m. – 5K run/walk starts (for the rest of us mere mortals)
- 10:25 a.m. – Awards ceremony for both the costume contest and running awards
Costumes Encouraged!
What’s a Spooktacular run without some spooktacular outfits? Participants are encouraged to run in costume, adding an extra layer of fun to the event. Just imagine the sight of vampires, werewolves, and maybe even a few friendly ghosts huffing and puffing their way along the river levees. It’s a sight that’s sure to bring a smile (or a shriek) to everyone’s face.
Prizes and Perks
Every participant gets more than just the satisfaction of completing the run. The registration fee includes chip timing for accurate race results and a t-shirt (guaranteed if you register by October 18, 2024). After that date, shirt availability becomes as unpredictable as a black cat crossing your path.
Chip-timed participants can compete for medals in 10 different age categories, with awards for first, second, and third place. And let’s not forget the little goblins – all children from newborn to age 5 will receive a custom trick-or-treat bag. It’s never too early to start collecting candy, right?
After working up an appetite from all that running (or walking or shuffling if you’re dressed as a zombie), participants can enjoy a continental breakfast provided after the run. It’s the perfect way to refuel and swap stories about the race.
More Than Just a Run
The Spooktacular River Run isn’t just about having a good time (although that’s a big part of it). It’s also about supporting the community. This year, the event is a collaboration between the Yuba-Sutter-Colusa United Way and Family SOUP. The funds raised will benefit 27 non-profit Partner Agencies, the “United Way Born Learning Academy,” and Family SOUP, an organization that supports families of children with special needs in Yuba, Sutter, and Colusa Counties.
Join the Fun
Ready to join in on this spooky spectacular? Here’s what you need to know about registration:
- Adults (18+): $30
- Military: $25
- Students (ages 6-17): $15
- Team (4 adults or more): $25 each
- Children 5 and under: Free
But beware! If you wait until after October 18, 2024, to register, the price goes up by $5 per person. It’s like a trick-or-treat tax for procrastinators.
A Community Event
The Spooktacular River Run has become a beloved community event, drawing hundreds of participants each year. Last year’s run saw over 250 people join in the fun, and this year promises to be even bigger and better.
So, whether you’re a serious runner looking to set a new personal best, a casual walker who enjoys a good costume party, or someone who just wants to support a great cause, the Spooktacular River Run has something for everyone. It’s a chance to get some exercise, show off your creative costume skills, and support important community organizations all at the same time.
Mark your calendars, dust off your running shoes, and start planning your costume. The 12th Annual “Even More Spooktacular River Run” is coming to Yuba City on October 26, 2024, and it’s an event you won’t want to miss. Who knows? You might just have so much fun that you’ll be haunted by the memory until next year’s run!
Sources: yscunitedway.org, visityubasutter.com, familysoup.org
Header Image Source: yscunitedway.org
