Costumed Runners Race Asheville 5K Event
Runners of all ages took part in the Wicked Spooky 5K, a festive way to get active in Asheville.
Updated on Nov. 1, 2026 in Running
Runners in costumes competed in the Wicked Spooky 5K at Wicked Weed's Funkatorium in Asheville on Saturday, alongside the Creepy Crawly Climb. The event drew runners of all ages and offered prizes for top finishers.
Why it matters
For Asheville runners, the race shows how costume-based community events can bring people of every age into an active, social outdoor routine. It is a local example of running as a low-pressure way to stay active, though the event's focus was festivity rather than health outcomes.
The reporting is a descriptive account of a single Saturday event, with no study design, sample size, or measured health outcomes. The only quantified result is the first-place finish time of under 19 minutes for the 5K.
The players
Wicked Weed's Funkatorium
A Asheville brewery and taproom known for its sour and funky beers, which hosted the race and the Creepy Crawly Climb.
The details
Runners raced the 5K course while wearing costumes, which added a playful challenge to the run. The Creepy Crawly Climb took place at the same venue, giving the day a broader festival format. Morning temperatures were chilly, a factor for anyone training outdoors in late October.
Timeline
Saturday, October 31, 2026: Wicked Spooky 5K and Creepy Crawly Climb held at Wicked Weed's Funkatorium in Asheville
Health Landscape
Community races that mix costumes and social gatherings are a common way to encourage people who might not otherwise train to get outside and move. Their health value lies mostly in regular participation rather than any single event.
If you are looking for a low-pressure reason to run, community events with costumes or themes can make regular activity more enjoyable. Dress for chilly fall mornings and discuss any new running routine with your doctor if you have existing health concerns.
The takeaway
Fun, community-focused races can help make consistent running a habit that feels social rather than solitary. Before starting any new training program, it is worth a conversation with your physician.
Further reading
For more on staying consistent with outdoor training, browse our Running coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WLOS.
