About the Howl-O-Ween Dash
The course runs along the riverbank at McFarland Park, flat the whole way, with a turnaround that brings you back the same scenic stretch. Dogs on leashes are welcome on course, and the costume contest gives the start area a Halloween-carnival feel. Strollers and pets join the back of the pack, so the morning tends to look more like a neighborhood parade than a road race.
Packet pickup runs the evening before at a local running store, with race-morning pickup at the park as well. Parking is free on-site. Aid is available at the start and finish area, with water and first aid at the turnaround. There is pumpkin painting for kids near the finish.
Free race emails
Get the Weekly RunSesh
In for this one or still deciding, keep race season near Florence on your radar: a Monday look ahead and a Thursday rundown of the weekend's races.
Two helpful emails per week. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Distances & Start Times
5K10/31/2026 08:30$25
1 Mile10/31/2026 09:30$20
5K and 1 Mile10/31/2026 08:30$30
Top Dog10/31/2026 08:30$2500
Cool Cat10/31/2026 08:30$1000
Barks & Biscuits10/31/2026 08:30$500
Paw Pal10/31/2026 08:30$500
Happy Tails10/31/2026 08:30$250
Faithful Friend10/31/2026 08:30$100
Going for a Time?
Set a goal and get a pace band: every mile split on a card sized for your phone lock screen, so race morning needs no math.
Plan Your TripWhere to Stay
Traveling for this race? The map shows hotels and rentals in and around Florence — pan or zoom to compare what's nearby.
The map is provided by Stay22. If you book through it, RunSesh may earn a commission at no extra cost to you — it never affects the races we list.