The Southwest Detroit Business Association invites runners and walkers to the 2024 “Run of the Dead” 5K/10K on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the George S. Patton Park Recreation Center, 2301 Woodmere in Southwest Detroit. The unique event, which serves as a fundraiser for the Center of Music & Performing Arts Southwest (COMPÁS), celebrates Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead), a Mexican holiday that honors deceased loved ones.

The USATF-certified 5K and 10K will kick off at 9 a.m., guiding participants through Southwest Detroit’s historic Holy Cross and Woodmere cemeteries. The event will include a variety of activities to celebrate the cultural significance of the holiday. This includes an ofrenda (altar) that will be created and displayed by a local artist. The community is invited to participate by bringing family photos of their ancestors to contribute to the ofrenda, honoring those who have passed. Participants are invited to embrace the spirit of the holiday by wearing traditional Día de Los Muertos face paint, flowers, and attire. Please note, Halloween and non-traditional costumes are discouraged to maintain the cultural integrity of the event,.

COMPÁS provides high-quality performing arts training and cultural experiences, with a special emphasis on youth socio-emotional development. By preserving the Latinx heritage of Southwest Detroit and celebrating the community’s diversity through the arts, COMPÁS plays a vital role in the community’s cultural landscape.

General registration is $55 for the 5K and $60 for the 10K, both of which include a race T-shirt, bib and swag bag. Registration must be completed by Oct. 18. to guarantee participants will receive a T-shirt and swag bag. Event Day registration is $75 for both races.

For more information and to register, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/Detroit/RunoftheDeadFundraiser