Haunted 5K & 10K at Orlando, FL (41)

Halloween Morning Meets Race Day on Orlando's South Side

The Haunted 5K & 10K hits Orlando on Saturday, October 10th at 8:00 AM, bringing Halloween spirit to the early morning running scene. Starting at 290 W Holden Ave in the South Orange Avenue corridor, this race combines the challenge of a timed run with seasonal fun that breaks from typical race-day seriousness. The 8:00 AM start catches cooler October temperatures before Florida's heat kicks in, making it one of the more comfortable times to tackle either distance.

What to Expect:
This Halloween-themed race draws runners who appreciate a bit of costume creativity mixed with their cardio. The course winds through Orlando's south side neighborhoods, where October mornings bring that rare Florida weather that actually feels like fall. Expect a mix of serious runners chasing PRs in the 10K and casual participants treating the 5K as a fun Halloween workout, with costumes ranging from full commitment to simple accessories.

Insider Tips:
- The 18+ age restriction means this skews toward adult runners rather than family crowds
- October in Orlando can still be warm by 9:00 AM, so even the early start calls for light, breathable gear
- Parking near the start line fills quickly after 7:30 AM as runners arrive for packet pickup and warm-ups
- Costume runners should test their outfit on a short run beforehand - what seems fine standing still can chafe or overheat quickly
- Bring cash or card for any post-race vendors that typically set up at Halloween-themed events
- The South Orange Avenue area sees regular morning traffic, so plan extra time if driving in from outside the immediate area

Getting There:
The start point at 290 W Holden Ave sits in Orlando's south side, accessible via South Orange Avenue (US-17/92) running north-south through the area. Street parking along Holden Avenue and surrounding residential streets provides the closest options, though availability depends on early arrival. Lynx bus service connects through stops along South Orange Blossom Trail, with the nearest platforms at Holden Avenue about a mile and a half from the start - walkable but requiring extra time. The location sits between downtown Orlando to the north and the Orlando Executive Airport area to the south, with Gatlin Avenue providing an east-west cross street for navigation. Drivers coming from I-4 can exit at Michigan Street or Kaley Avenue and head south on Orange Avenue.

Local Scene:
The South Orange Avenue corridor offers several solid spots for post-race fuel within a short drive. Beth's Burger Bar sits about half a mile north, serving breakfast options that hit the spot after burning through a 10K. The Waterfront brings seafood to the mix less than a mile away, though their hours might not align with the race's early finish. Buttercrust Pizza operates nearby on Gatlin Avenue for those craving something more substantial than typical race-day snacks. Mochinut offers a sweet treat option about 600 meters from the start line, perfect for satisfying that post-race sugar craving. The Porch South Orange sits closest at just over 500 meters away, providing a bar atmosphere that works better for later in the day once the Halloween celebrations continue. Scoop's Co rounds out the options with ice cream that sounds perfect after working through Orlando's October morning humidity.