Бостонский мини-марафон возвращается на Хэллоуин с костюмированным запуском и праздником

Boston Mini-Marathon returns on Halloween weekend Published 12:09 pm Friday, September 4, 2026 BOSTON — The Boston Mini-Marathon and Festival is back with a spooky new twist. This Halloween, runners and walkers can dress in their favorite costumes to race, with prizes awarded for best individual and group costumes. Held annually on the last weekend in October, the signature event will take place on Halloween weekend, beginning on Oct. 30 and concluding with a night of trunk-or-treat on Oct. 31st. The event will kick off on Friday at 6 p.m. with lively music by Dana King Duo in Watt Park, beginning at 7 p.m., and early packet pickup available at 6:30 p.m. Those attending the kickoff party who have not already registered for the race may also pre-register at the event. Additionally, vendors who arrive Friday night can begin setting up their booths for the BAES Market. Packet pickup and pre-registration will be located at the Boston Community Center, 112 N. Main Street, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Registration for the half-marathon is $50, while the 5K run and 5K walk each cost $35. Runners who do not choose to get their packets early can arrive on race day and begin checking in at 6:30 a.m. at the Boston Community Center. Race Day registration will close at 7:30 a.m., with the half-marathon beginning promptly at 8 a.m., followed by the 5K race at 8:15 a.m. and the 5K walk at 8:30 a.m. All three of the races will be timed by the Gulf Winds Track Club, with the half-marathon being a qualifier for the Boston Marathon. Cash prizes will be given for the half-marathon, 5K, and walk. Starting in the heart of downtown Boston, runners will enjoy a scenic journey through its charming farmland community, with rolling hills that provide a gentle challenge and a final stretch that adds a touch of excitement. The race is catered to all levels, from seasoned runners to beginners. Organizers will have refreshment stands posted every 2.5 miles. This year, they have also partnered with the Thomasville Amateur Radio Club to provide better communication on where runners are throughout each phase of the course. “They’ve helped in years past, but this year they will play a more vital role in communications,” Boston Police Chief Charles Pettus said. “With it (the race) expanding into the Dixie and Brooks County area, this will give us a minute-by-minute insight as far as where our runners are.” Pettus said this not only helps race coordinators, but also allows the spectators to become engaged in where their family members are throughout the race. One member from the Radio Club will be dedicated to the Information Tent, so if a family member feels as if a runner should already be back and needs to be checked on, a live update can be provided. Currently, more than 60 participants are registered for the half-marathon, with only a few signed up for the 5K race and 5K walk. “Usually those numbers don’t start climbing until closer to the event,” Pettus said. However, the half-marathon numbers have exceeded the entries from this time last year, according to Jackie Spadoni of the City of Boston Tourism Authority. As runners cross the finish line, they will be greeted with healthy eats and drinks to speed up their recovery before they enjoy the festival featuring more than 40 vendors. The marketplace and entertainment will be led by BAES, Boston Arts Entertainment Society, with all vendor fees benefiting BAES. The marketplace will feature sweets, the tantalizing aroma of barbecue, funnel cakes, and other festival fare, along with arts and crafts and other local handmade goods. As runners and their family members browse the various booths, they can also enjoy live music from The Leftovers in Watt Park. At 10:30 a.m., the Halloween costume contest for kids, separate from that of the race, will be held in Watt Park. Appealing to children of all ages, contestants can line up to be viewed by the audience and judged in their costumes. Following the costume contest, the awards ceremony for the race will be held at 11 a.m. An award for the best male, female, and group costume will also be given at that time. Attendees can then gather along Main Street as the annual parade makes its way downtown. Guests can then take a short nap before returning at 6:30 p.m. for the annual Trunk or Treat on Main Street. Those interested in decorating a trunk can register at Boston City Hall or contact Pettus. It is free to participate. Spadoni and Pettus are both looking forward to another great year of continuing the tradition with beautiful weather. “We look forward to seeing everyone on the 31st,” Pettus concluded.