Rosehill Cemetery Crypt 5K
Rosehill Cemetery
October 10, $35, chicagoevents.com This candlelit course weaves past the graves of Oscar Mayer, John G. Shedd, and 10-plus Chicago mayors, so you can say thanks for the hot dogs, aquariums, and political high jinks.
Infected Zombie Run 5K
Swallow Cliff Woods, Palos Park
October 3, $60, runfromtheinfected.com Motivation to book it comes from zombies who try to snatch the flags tucked into each runner’s waistband.
This Run’s for Jack 5K
Ackerman Park, Glen Ellyn
October 18, $25, jacksfund.org The blasé rules say you can stream a video of the course and “run/walk a treadmill, around the neighborhood or don’t run at all.”
World’s Largest Corn Maze 5K
Richardson Adventure Farm, Spring Grove
October 18, $31, allcommunityevents.com Ropes across wrong turns keep you from getting lost in this labyrinth (see: The Shining) shaped like the Blackhawks logo.
Muddy Monk Thriller 5K
Hammel Woods, Shorewood
October 31, $35, muddymonk.com Why would you want to ford creeks, climb hills, and dodge roots, rocks, and branches? Unlimited craft beer at the finish line.
Monster Dash
Half Marathon/10K/5K
Arvey Field at Grant Park
October 31, $39 and up, chicagomonster.org Prerace costume judging means you don’t have to worry about sweating off your slutty clown makeup.
Ditka Dash 5K
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Soldier Field
October 3, $55, ditkadash.com Every runner gets a pair of aviators, a can of beer, and a stick-on Ditka-style lip rug (if needed). Super Bowl Shuffling through the race, optional.