Nearly 8,000 Runners Celebrate Culture and Community at Pilsen’s 18th Annual Carrera de los Muertos 5K (Chicago, IL) – The streets of Pilsen came alive Saturday as nearly 8,000 runners, families, and spectators joined the 18th annual Carrera de los Muertos/Race of the Dead, a vibrant celebration of Día de los Muertos hosted by UNO – It Only Takes ONE (UNO).
The 5K, which began in 2007 as a small neighborhood race, has grown into Chicago’s largest grassroots, nonprofit-led running event and the only one of its scale dedicated to highlighting Latiné culture. Participants ran through Pilsen’s colorful streets adorned with ofrendas, papel picado, and music honoring the memory of loved ones.
“This year’s race felt especially meaningful,” said Maya Solis, executive director of UNO. “At a time when so many across our city are living in fear, this record-breaking turnout is a powerful reminder of our community’s unity and resilience.”
Proceeds from the event support UNO’s youth empowerment programs, including GirlsMPowered, which offers leadership development and mentorship to girls in grades six through ten. UNO also announced that a portion of this year’s funds will go to the Street Vendors Association of Chicago, supporting local small business owners.
Race founder and director Carlos Jaramillo reflected on the race’s evolution over nearly two decades. “What began as a small neighborhood race has grown into a powerful celebration of culture, community, and remembrance,” he said. “Seeing nearly 8,000 runners fill the streets of Pilsen reminds us why we do this every year—to honor our loved ones, uplift our community, and keep our traditions alive.”
UNO’s partnership with NAMI Chicago was also featured through the RunHer program, launched last year to promote both physical and mental wellness among girls in Pilsen. Participants train for the race alongside mentors and a mental health professional from NAMI Chicago, working to reduce stigma around mental health in the Latiné community.
“Physical and mental wellness go hand in hand,” said Matt Davison, CEO of NAMI Chicago. “UNO’s work to empower young women is vital to their long-term growth, and we’re proud to support programming that strengthens the well-being of young Chicagoans.”
This year’s Carrera de los Muertos once again blended fitness, culture, and remembrance—transforming Pilsen into a living tribute to heritage, healing, and community spirit
Nearly 8,000 Runners Celebrate Culture and Community at Pilsen’s 18th Annual Carrera de los Muertos 5K
