The YMCA’s 18th annual Creepy Crawl 5K and the free Kids’ Monster Dash run at Palmer Lake on Saturday, Oct. 24, with the dash at 10 a.m. and the 5K at 10:30. Costumes are encouraged, and the YMCA says the proceeds help pay for Y memberships and programs for neighbors in need.
The race is put on by the YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region and starts and finishes at the Palmer Lake Regional Recreation Area, on the east side of the lake. The 5K runs 1.1 miles out along the New Santa Fe Regional Trail, turns back and finishes with a lap of the lake. The Monster Dash, for children 12 and under, is a single lap of 0.8 miles. Last year 612 runners finished the 5K, according to the race’s published results.
Check-in and race-day packet pickup run from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the start, and trick-or-treating at the vendor village begins at 9:30. The YMCA also lists face painting, a costume contest, a dance-off and yard games. Awards for the first three men and women overall are at 11:15 a.m., with age-group medals after that.
What it costs
Entry on RunSignup is $45 for adults 20 and over and $35 for runners 6 to 19, plus a processing fee, until 11:59 p.m. Friday. On race day it is $50 and $40. The Monster Dash is free. Leashed dogs that are current on their shots may run with a registered runner for a $15 add-on, which comes with a bandana and a treat, and children in strollers ride free. Race shirts are not guaranteed for anyone who signs up on race morning.
New this year is a Community Champion add-on, $42.40 with the fee, which comes with VIP parking and packet pickup, coffee on race morning, a free session in the Y’s Wellness Center and a personal-training jumpstart. The YMCA says the extra money supports its programs.
Getting there
The YMCA’s directions take runners off Interstate 25 at exit 161 and west on Highway 105 into Palmer Lake. Parking is at the Palmer Lake baseball field just south of the lake, in a lot on the west side across the street from O’Malley’s Steak Pub, and in a third lot at Highway 105 and Page Street. From the ballfield and the O’Malley’s lot, runners reach the start by the pedestrian bridge over the lake. The YMCA warns that anyone who crosses the railroad tracks on foot will be ticketed.
The Creepy Crawl is the first of the YMCA’s three 5K races this season. The Turkey Trot follows in Colorado Springs on Thanksgiving, Nov. 26, and the Jingle Jog in Fountain on Dec. 12.
If you go
Where: Palmer Lake Regional Recreation Area, Palmer Lake; start and finish on the east side of the lake
Distance: 5K (3.1 miles); Monster Dash 0.8 miles, for ages 12 and under
Cost: 5K $45 for adults and $35 for ages 6–19, plus a processing fee, through 11:59 p.m. Oct. 23 · $50 and $40 on race day · dogs $15 · Monster Dash free
Parking: Palmer Lake baseball field and lots along Highway 105; do not cross the railroad tracks on foot
Register: RunSignup
Course map: 5K course and parking (PDF)
Sources & further reading
The Independent’s own coverage: The Tri-Lakes Halloween guide, which lists the race with the season’s other Halloween events.
The race: Creepy Crawl 5K, YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region · Registration, schedule, prices and parking, RunSignup · 5K course map (PDF), drawn for the 2025 race · 2025 results, RunSignup.
The course: New Santa Fe Regional Trail, El Paso County Parks.
Spotted an error? Email [email protected].
Using this reporting? Credit The Monument Independent and link to this article: https://monumentindependent.com/events-news/creepy-crawl-5k-2026/. Our guidelines are at Using Our Reporting.
