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5 Spine-Tingling Reasons The Minneapolis Halloween Half Marathon Is The Ultimate Costume Run

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The Minneapolis Halloween Half Marathon is more than just a race; it is arguably the Twin Cities’ most spirited and festive running tradition, blending a challenging course with an unmissable costume party. As runners gear up for the next major event, scheduled for Saturday, October 25, 2025, the anticipation is building for a high-energy morning along the scenic Mississippi River. This guide dives deep into why this half marathon, 10K, and 5K event has become a must-do for both serious runners chasing a Personal Record (PR) and casual participants looking for a fun, spooky start to their Halloween weekend.

Organized by the popular MN RUN Series, the annual Mpls Halloween Race offers a unique blend of competitive running and seasonal celebration, attracting hundreds of participants who embrace the spooky theme with elaborate and creative costumes. From the start line near the historic Stone Arch Bridge to the unique Minnesota-shaped finisher medal, every detail of this event is designed to be memorable, fresh, and a perfect capstone to the autumn running season.

The Essential Race Profile: Date, Location, and Distances

The Minneapolis Halloween Half Marathon anchors a full day of running events, catering to all fitness levels with multiple distance options. This consistency in planning and execution is a hallmark of the MN RUN Series, ensuring a smooth and well-organized experience for every participant.

  • Event Name: Mpls Halloween Race (also known as the Minneapolis Halloween Half or MN RUN Series Halloween Half).
  • Next Confirmed Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025.
  • Start/Finish Location: Father Hennepin Bluff Park, near the iconic Stone Arch Bridge and Portland Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
  • Distances Offered: Half Marathon (13.1 miles), 10K (6.2 miles), and 5K (3.1 miles).
  • Typical Start Times: The Half Marathon and 10K typically start together around 8:30 AM CDT, followed by the 5K start at 9:00 AM CDT.
  • Race Organizer: MN RUN Series.
  • Charitable Cause: The event often partners with and supports local charities, including the Shriners.

Registration for the 2025 event is already active, and securing a spot early is highly recommended, especially to take advantage of lower tier pricing and ensure you receive the coveted Halloween-themed race swag, which often includes a commemorative long-sleeve shirt and unique finisher medal.

The Half Marathon Course: Scenic Views and Hidden Hills

While the festive atmosphere is the main draw, the Minneapolis Halloween Half Marathon course itself presents a fantastic, yet slightly challenging, run. It is not a flat, fast course, but its beauty makes the effort well worth it.

A Tour of the Twin Cities’ Most Iconic Landmarks

The course is renowned for its stunning, scenic route that hugs the Mississippi River, showcasing the best of the Twin Cities' urban and natural beauty. The race begins and ends at Father Hennepin Park, immediately immersing runners in the historic and vibrant atmosphere of the Mill District.

  • Stone Arch Bridge: The start and finish area provides breathtaking views of the Minneapolis skyline, the St. Anthony Falls, and the historic Stone Arch Bridge. This landmark is a favorite photo opportunity for runners.
  • Mississippi Riverfront: The majority of the route is run along the river, utilizing the city's extensive and well-maintained parkway system.
  • Nicollet Island: Runners loop around or near Nicollet Island, offering a peaceful, tree-lined contrast to the downtown cityscape.
  • Hennepin Avenue Bridge: Another major city landmark that runners pass, adding to the urban-scenic mix.

The course is well-marked with cones and signage, ensuring that even under a full-body costume, runners can navigate the turns and stay on track.

Understanding the Elevation Profile

For those aiming for a specific time, understanding the elevation is crucial. The course is generally described as "not too easy," featuring a moderate elevation gain that provides a good test of endurance.

The half marathon features an overall elevation gain of approximately 374 feet, which is dispersed across the 13.1 miles. The key challenges to anticipate include:

  1. The Franklin Hill (Around Mile 5): This is one of the most notable inclines on the course. Hitting this climb early requires runners to manage their pace to avoid burning out too soon.
  2. The Mile 12 Uphill: Just when runners are nearing the finish line and starting to feel the fatigue, the course throws in a final, challenging uphill section under a bridge or overpass. This late-race climb demands mental toughness and is often where runners have to dig deep for the final push.

This mix of flat river path and challenging hills makes the Minneapolis Halloween Half a great training run for other major Twin Cities races, and a satisfying accomplishment for any runner.

The Ultimate Halloween Running Experience: Costumes and Swag

What truly sets this event apart is its full embrace of the Halloween spirit. The atmosphere is consistently described as high-energy, festive, and incredibly fun, largely due to the hundreds of runners who show up in elaborate costumes.

The Costume Showcase and Competition

Runners are strongly encouraged to wear a costume, and the creativity on display is phenomenal. The race serves as a massive, informal costume contest, with runners sporting everything from classic movie monsters and superheroes to highly topical and humorous group costumes. While formal rules and specific prizes for a costume contest can vary year-to-year, the true reward is the cheers from spectators and fellow runners.

Running in costume adds an extra layer of challenge and fun. Participants should always prioritize safety and comfort, ensuring their costume allows for full range of motion and does not impede vision—especially crucial on a course with moderate elevation changes and bridge crossings.

The Coveted Finisher Medal and Swag

The MN RUN Series is known for providing excellent, themed race swag, and the Halloween event is no exception. The finisher medal is a major highlight, often featuring a unique, spooky design that incorporates the race's theme. A past favorite has been a medal shaped like the state of Minnesota, complete with Halloween imagery.

Additional race perks often include a quality, long-sleeve technical running shirt—perfect for the chilly late-October Minnesota weather—and optional add-ons during registration, such as Halloween-themed running socks. This attention to detail in the race merchandise ensures participants have a lasting, high-quality memento of their achievement.

Tips for Conquering the 2025 Mpls Halloween Race

Whether you are tackling the 5K, 10K, or the full Half Marathon, a few key strategies will help ensure a successful and enjoyable race day on October 25, 2025.

  1. Train for the Hills: Incorporate hill repeats and varied-terrain runs into your training plan to prepare your legs for the Franklin Hill and the Mile 12 climb.
  2. Layer Up: Late October in Minneapolis can be cold, with temperatures often near freezing at the start. Wear throwaway layers or plan a costume that can be easily adjusted for warmth.
  3. Costume Test Run: Never run a race distance in a costume you haven't tested. Ensure your outfit doesn't chafe, overheat you, or restrict your stride.
  4. Enjoy the Scenery: The Stone Arch Bridge area is one of the most beautiful running spots in the Twin Cities. Take a moment to appreciate the spectacular views of the St. Anthony Falls and the downtown skyline.
  5. Hydration and Fuel: The MN RUN Series typically provides well-stocked aid stations. Know their locations on the course map and plan your personal nutrition strategy accordingly, especially if your costume makes carrying water difficult.

The Minneapolis Halloween Half Marathon remains a premier event on the Twin Cities running calendar, offering a perfect blend of competitive running, stunning scenery, and festive, family-friendly fun. It’s a chance to test your fitness, celebrate the season, and join a spirited community of runners.

5 Spine-Tingling Reasons the Minneapolis Halloween Half Marathon is the Ultimate Costume Run
halloween half marathon minneapolis
halloween half marathon minneapolis

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