Events
Nightmare In Elmwood 5K
$35
10:00AM EDT
- 11:30AM EDT
Price increases after July 30, 2025 at 11:59pm EDT
Nightmare In Elmwood 5K Kids Fun Run
$20
11:00AM EDT
- 11:15AM EDT
Registration ends October 24, 2025 at 11:59pm EDT
Place
2204 Park Street
Columbia, SC US 29201
Columbia, SC US 29201
Description
Get ready for a hauntingly good time as Elmwood Park Neighborhood presents the Nightmare In Elmwood 5K & Kids Fun Run on Saturday, October 25th. This ghoulishly entertaining event will take place in the heart of downtown Columbia, featuring a scary course through the historic Elmwood Park neighborhood.
Hosted by GRIT Endurance, LLC, the Nightmare In Elmwood is not just about a race; it's about community, fun, and giving back. This year's event is set to benefit the Historic Elmwood Park Neighborhood Association, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the enhancement of this beloved Columbia neighborhood.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, October 25th
Location: Start/Finish Line near Village Church Park Street, 2204 Park Street, Elmwood Park neighborhood
Start Times:5K - 10am
Kids Fun Run (Age 12 and under) - 11am
Participants can expect a newly certified USA Track & Field course that will guide them through the charming and historic Elmwood Park neighborhood, transformed into a Halloween wonderland. The course will showcase the community's creativity with the best Halloween decor, ensuring a spooky atmosphere for all participants.
Families are encouraged to join in the fun, with the Kids Fun Run kicking off at 11am for children aged 12 and under. It's a fantastic opportunity for the younger goblins and ghouls to embrace the Halloween spirit.
The Nightmare In Elmwood is not just a race; it's a chance to make a positive impact. Proceeds from the event will go toward supporting the Historic Elmwood Park Neighborhood Association's initiatives to enhance and improve the neighborhood.
Registration is open now! Don't miss out on the chance to join the fun.
Participants are encouraged to dress in their best and most creative Halloween Attire. Prizes will be awarded for the top six most creative outfits! Run safe and family event friendly costumes encouraged!
All registered participants will receive a quality, soft blend racing shirt! It's sure to be one of your favorites. Our Shirt Guarantee Deadline is September 20, 2025. Those who register after this date are not guaranteed a shirt. We are unable to hold shirts after packet pick up and race day. You must pick up your shirt during packet pick up or on race day. We are unable to ship shirts. We appreciate your understanding!
This is a nonrefundable event! No Deferrals. Race is rain or shine.
Strollers and hounds on a leash are welcome!
*Due to safety issues, participants who are not present for the official start time with their bib will not be allowed to start the race late. Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to race time.
About Elmwood Park Neighborhood Association:
The Historic Elmwood Park Neighborhood Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to preserving and enhancing the Elmwood Park neighborhood in Columbia, SC. The association focuses on community development, beautification, and fostering a sense of unity among residents.
About GRIT Endurance, LLC:
GRIT Endurance, LLC is an event management company dedicated to creating memorable and meaningful experiences for participants and communities. Specializing in endurance events, GRIT Endurance brings expertise and passion to each event, ensuring a positive impact on both participants and the communities involved.
Packet Pick Up Information
🎃👻 Get ready for a spooktacular time at The War Mouth ! 👻🎃
Join us on Friday, October 24th from 4 PM to 6:30 PM for the Nightmare In Elmwood 5K & Kids Fun Run 2025 Packet Pick-Up! 🏃♂️👟While you're here, enjoy spooky drink specials! Stay for dinner... their food is devilishly good! 🏚️✨ Located at 1201 Franklin Street, Columbia, SC, where the fun never rests (even after dark)! 🌙
Race Day Information
Our 5K race will start and finish behind the Village Church Park Street on Bryan Street in the historic Elmwood Neighborhood! Race Day Packet Pick Up will be close to the race start line and will open at 8:30am.
You can still register on race day!
Our 5K event starts promptly at 10am.
Our Kids Fun Run starts promptly at 11am.
Kids Fun Run
WHY SHOULD ADULTS HAVE ALL THE FUN?
BRING YOUR KIDS TO THE KIDS FUN RUN FOR A LITTLE MONSTER FRIENDLY COMPETITION ON OUR KIDS COURSE!
Kids 12 and under are welcome to be a part of our Kids Fun Run! The race will start at 11am.
The course is less than a mile and will be lead by an adult. It's a great way to get your kids involved in running! Kids registered for the Fun Run will receive a race shirt. Get registered before our shirt guarantee deadline on Oct 2 to be sure you get your correct size!
Please note, children must be accompanied by a guardian at all times. This is not a drop off area.
Course Map
THE 5K IS A WICKED COURSE DESIGNED FOR ALL FITNESS LEVELS. THIS IS THE PERFECT COURSE FOR RUNNING YOUR PERSONAL BEST OR IF YOU’RE JUST STROLLING WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY ENJOYING SOME GHOULISH FUN!
Race Day Parking
Here is a list of parking lots near the race start/finish line!
Village Church - 2204 Park Street - Please park in the grass lot or the paved lot.
No parking is allowed behind the church.
Logan Elementary: 815 Elmwood Ave - All Lots
Modern Exterminating: 2119 Gadsden Street
Todd Rutherford Lot: Open Grass Lot at the intersection of Bryan and Rembert Street.
Please don’t park in the lot behind Village Church beside the finish line. That area is reserved for awards and sponsors. Please do not park on the streets that are on our race route. We are keeping them clear for runners and walkers that morning. We appreciate your understanding!
Race Shirt Information
Our shirts are hauntingly great and sure to be one of your favorite running shirts! All registered participants will receive a quality, soft blend racing shirt! Our Shirt Guarantee Deadline is Sept. 20. Those who register after this date are not guaranteed a shirt. We are unable to hold shirts after packet pick up and race day. You must pick up your shirt during packet pick up or on race day. We are unable to ship shirts. We appreciate your understanding!
Awards
Our Awards Ceremony will be held about 11:30 am at the race finish area.
Here is our Award Structure!
Top Three Overall Male and Female Winners
Top Three Masters Male and Female Winners
Top Three Male and Female in the following Age Groups:
10 & Under; 11-14; 15-19; 20-24; 25-29; 30-34; 35-39; 40-44; 45-49; 50-54; 55-59; 60-64; 65-69; 70-75, 75 and over
You must be present to receive your award! If you need to leave the race early, please check with us or have a friend pick up your award for you at our award ceremony immediately following the race. We are not able to ship our awards. We appreciate your understanding!
Awards will also be given for our BEST HALLOWEEN COSTUME! The Top Six Best Costumes will be given a special award! Run safe and family event costumes are encouraged.
Team Discount and Award
Get your Ghouls together, form a team and save! Teams of 5 or more runners or walkers qualify for a discounted registration rate!
Here's how it works:
1. Pick a Team Captain.
2. When you go into our race registration website, pick the "Form A Team" option. Put in your team name and information.
3. When your team members want to register, they need to pick the TEAM option in registration and then search for your team name.
4. They can register under your team and get the discounted rate! (Discount Codes will not work under the team option)
We will be giving a special award to our Largest Team and to our Best Dressed Team! What a great way to get your friends, neighbors and co-workers together for some good spirited fun!
Become A Sponsor
SCARY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES!
As a Sponsor of Nightmare In Elmwood 5k & Kids Fun Run you not only get the opportunity to be a part of a great community event but also market your business! Interested in hearing more? Reach out to us and we will be happy to send you our sponsorship package.
Race Contact Info
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
