Costume Contest

One of the most fun parts of the Monster Dash races is the funny and creative costumes that runners come up with.  Some run the 5K -- while others run and entire Half Marathon all decked out in their Halloween costume!  We invite you to do the same (with one tip, you might want to practice running in it before race day)!

Here are the categories to get you brainstorming on a great costume.  Awards for the winners will be announced on this page soon.

Costume contest participants must be registered for the Monster Dash to qualify.

Costume Contest Categories:

Read more...

Bib Numbers

Bib numbers are needed for packet pick-up.  Please check these bib numbers if you are picking up your own packet and/or another runner's packet.

Bib numbers are now available.  Click here to find your bib number for packet pick-up!

Weather

Running along Lake Michigan in Chicago can bring various kinds of weather.  You need to be prepared for any kind of weather for October 29th, 2011.

Average High Temperature for October 29th:  58 degrees

Average Low Temperature for October 29th: 42 degrees

Sunrise at 7:19 a.m.

Gear

The Monster Dash is coming quickly and our gear this year will help you be outfitted for fall and winter running!

2011 Half Marathon and 5K Monster Dash Full-Zip Performance Running Fleece/Jacket

2011 5K Youth Cotton T-shirt

This year's full-zip performance running fleece/jacket is thicker than the 2010 version and coordinates with last year's gear.  It is gray, with a full-zip in front with reflective trim and logos.  The jackets offer a men's and women's cut with thumb holes in the sleeves.  Register a youth 13 and under and get a short-sleeved orange t-shirt!

All finishers will get a beautiful stained-glass medal!

Travel and Lodging

Coming in from out of town for the race? The Blackstone Renaissance Hotel is just steps from the start and finish line in Grant Park. See the map here.  

Reserve your discounted room at the Blackstone right now.  Please choose your dates carefully.

Room supply is limited, you will want to reserve your room quickly to take advantage of the discount during the Monster Dash.

Course Information

The Monster Dash Half and 5K races are filled with great scenery, not just the Halloween costumes people wear, but the run along Lake Michigan is beautiful as is the view of Downtown Chicago.

Monster Half Marathon

Start time: 9:00 a.m.

The Monster Half Marathon will follow a northern route out of Grant Park on race day.  The course will be similar to the 2010 race with a few minor adjustments.   Download the Proposed Half Marathon Course Map.

• USATF Certified Course
• Chip Timed
• Time limit: 3.5 hours

Monster Dash 5K

Start time 9:30 a.m.

• Adults get the long-sleeved, full-zip performance fleece (see gear)
• Kids get a youth-sized Monster Dash t-shirt
• Time limit 1 hour
• Fun run

Packet Pick-up

Thank you for your interest in Monster Dash!  We have arranged different packet pick-up options for you before the Monster Dash.  Come join us for either of of our packet pick-up days to get your Monster Dash gear and race necessities for the big day!

Packet Pick-up schedule 

Please bring your photo ID and your bib number to packet pick-up.

• Friday, October 28, 2011 12:00 pm.-8:00 p.m.
  Renaissance Blackstone Chicago Hotel: 636 South Michigan Ave · Chicago, Illinois 60605

There will be no race-day packet pickup for the 5K or Half Marathon.

If you cannot make it to a packet pick-up location prior to the race, please ask a friend or family member to pick yours up for you.  It's easy: All they need to pick up your packet for you, is your bib number and a copy of your photo identification.  

While you're at packet pick-up, register for the Chicago Polar Dash, which is January 14th!  Click here to get your form and bring it with you to packet pick-up!

Parking for Packet Pick-up:

There will be a special $6.00 rate the Chicago Hilton garage.  The rate is only good only for one hour.  You will park, then pick up your discount rate tickets at packet pick-up.  You will need the ticket for the payment machines to get the discount.

Address:  720 South Michigan Avenue,
Chicago, IL 60605

Monster Dash 5K

The Monster Dash 5K will start and end in Grant Park.  It will have the same course and all of the fun with friends and family as 2010.

Start Time:  9:30 a.m.

Register for the 5K Now!

Monster 5K Fun Run

• Full-zip performance running fleece/jacket
• Kids 13 and younger get a youth-sized Monster Dash t-shirt
• Stained-glass finisher's medal
• Get your bib mailed to you (choose this during registration)!
• Trick or Treating at the water stops
• Costume Contest
• 1 hour time limit

Half Marathon

The 2011 Chicago Monster Half Marathon route will take you north out of Grant Park and toward downtown.  This is very similar to what we ran in 2010 with a few adjustments.  The course will be USATF certified and we will finalize the course soon and post a map at that time.

Start Time: 9:15 a.m. *updated time

Click here to Register!

Monster Half Marathon

• Full-zip performance running fleece/jacket
• Stained-glass finisher's medal
• Get your bib mailed to you (choose this during registration)!
• Chip-timed
• USATF Certified
• Costume contest
• 3 1/2 hour time limit