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Trick or Treat Trot
Sunday 25
Here’s a chance for your entire fit family to enjoy a festive fall morning in Lincoln Park. Oh, who are we kidding—it’s really just another reason to dress up junior in his adorable Halloween costume. Athletes can take on a 5K or 10K run, 5K Addams Family walk, or the Monster Mash Dash (for little ghouls and goblins ages 2 to 12). A costume contest caps off the sweat fest. Montrose Harbor; $30 for 5Ks and 10K, $12 for Monster Mash Dash (caprievents.com/trick). First race time: 9am.

Frank Lloyd Wright Races
Sunday 25
A dose of culture? Check. A great workout? Yep. Get the best of both worlds in one fall morning with this Oak Park event. Runners choose between a 5K and 10K course (overachievers can run both), which travel by eight Frank Lloyd Wright–designed buildings, including the Wright Home and Studio. There’s also a 1-mile trek for kids. The first 2,000 participants who pick up their packets score a long-sleeved shirt, goody bag, and a free ticket for the post-race pancake and sausage breakfast. Everyone gets bagels and post-race treats from Trader Joe’s. Start at Oak Park and River Forest High School, 201 N Scoville Ave, Oak Park, $25 for each race (oakparkparks.com/flw2009.htm). First race time: 8am.

Race of the Dead 5K
October 31
This spooky run coincides with the Day of the Dead, a Hispanic holiday that celebrates past ancestors. Participants are encouraged to wear costumes and paint their faces—and skeleton trophies will be awarded to the fastest men and women. The urban course takes runners through University Village and Pilsen. Bartolome de las Casas Charter School, 1641 W 16th St; $30 (raceofthedead.com). First race time: 8am.

Hot Chocolate 15K/5K
November 1
After running along the lakefront path, athletes enjoy sugary treats at the finish-line party. Race organizers are counting on big appetites with a gluttonous 200,000 pieces of Hershey’s chocolate, 18,000 ounces of chocolate fondue and 800 gallons of hot chocolate. The decadence doesn’t end there: Goody bags include windbreakers or hoodies and a sweat-wicking hat. Sweet! Montrose Harbor; $40 for 5K, $50 for 15K (ramracing.org). First race time: 8am.

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