Nightmare In Elmwood 5k
About this race
Get ready for a hauntingly good time as Elmwood Park Neighborhood presents the Nightmare In Elmwood 5K & Kids Fun Run on Saturday, October 24th. 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 24th
Location: Start/Finish Line near Palmetto Life Church Park Street, 2204 Park Street, Elmwood Park neighborhood
Start Times:5K - 10am
Kids Fun Run (Age 12 and under) - 9:30am
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 October 3, 2026. 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. No Bib Exchanges after 10/22/26.
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.
Pick your distance
Running
Nightmare In Elmwood 5K
Run or Walk on the spookiest 5k route through the historic Elmwood Park Neighborhood!
Nightmare In Elmwood 5K Kids Fun Run
This race is for our little monsters! Kids 12 and under can walk or run a course less than 1 mile in length. This race is just for fun! Parents are welcome to run or walk with their kids for this event.
Typical race-day weather
Based on 4 years of Open-Meteo archive data for this event's race dates in Columbia, plus the 3 days either side.
The sun rises at 7:36 AM and sets at 6:39 PM local time (EDT) in Columbia on October 24, 2026 — 11h 02m of daylight.
Course
No course map published yet.
The organizer hasn't released a route for this event, and we don't publish guesses. If you're the organizer, send us a GPX file and we'll draw the profile.
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Results — Nightmare In Elmwood 5k
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🏃 Plan Your Next Race in Columbia
Find upcoming events by distance:
- Columbia 5K Races 15 races
- Columbia Half Marathons 3 races
- Columbia Running Calendar 2026 20 races
Where this page comes from. Race details were last updated on . We re-check listings regularly and again in the week before race day.
- Entries, prices, waves and inclusions — the event's official registration page
- Temperature and humidity — Copernicus ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0)
- Elevation and terrain relief — Copernicus DEM GLO-90, ESA (CC BY 4.0)
- Comparisons and counts — Race Discovery calendar, 28 Columbia events
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