About the YMCA Freaky 5K & Mini Monster Dash
The course runs along the Fox River through Pierce Park, so there are autumn colors on the water and a natural, unhurried feel to the whole morning. The race draws families and groups, and the costume contest after the run gives it more of a festive party atmosphere than most fall races. Awards go deep into the field across several age groups.
Packet pickup happens the evening before at the Appleton YMCA, then again race morning at the park. The start area at Pierce Park is also where you finish, so everything stays in one place.
Free race emails
Get the Weekly RunSesh
In for this one or still deciding, keep race season near Appleton 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
3.1 Miles10/31/2026 08:30$25
3.1 Miles10/31/2026 08:30$20
0.5 Miles10/31/2026 08:00$15
3.1 Miles10/31/2026 10:00$30
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.
Where to Stay
Traveling for this race? The map shows hotels and rentals in and around Appleton — 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.
