10K races near Middleton

The Haunted Hustle is a Halloween-themed race day held at KEVA Sports Center in Middleton, Wisconsin, with the start and finish lines at the same location. The event offers a half marathon, 10K, 5K, 5K dog jog, 5K walk, and a kid's run, suitable for runners, walkers, families, and participants with a dog. The race names reflect the theme, such as the Monster Dash, Haunted Half Marathon, Terror 10K, Run For Your Life 5K, Great Pup-Kin Run, and Zombie Walk 5K. The Middleton races begin in a sequence on a Saturday morning, starting with the kids' Monster Dash, followed by the longer and shorter distance races departing a few minutes apart. Costumes are encouraged, but standard running attire is also acceptable. The finish area features live music and refreshments, contributing to a Halloween festival atmosphere rather than a simple road race. A separate Haunted Hustle 5K run/walk takes place in Jefferson City, Missouri, with proceeds benefiting the Sneaker Project.

Driftless Distance Night is a summer evening track meet held under the lights at Central High School in La Crosse, Wisconsin. While the 5k is the primary event, the schedule also features a Community Walk/Jog 5k and youth races, accommodating both those seeking a relaxed group run and runners aiming for fast track times. All events take place on the track at 1801 Losey Blvd S, with participants eligible to enter one or multiple races. The 5k is divided into Open, Seeded, and Elite heats, with pacers set for 20:00, 17:00, and 15:00 respectively. The youth meet, organized in partnership with River City Run Club, includes 200m, 1600m, and 3200m races. Spectators are welcome, and registration includes a free shirt. All proceeds benefit the Driftless Distance Project's initiatives in running.

Birdie Derby is a Thanksgiving morning 10K run and 5K run/walk in Fitchburg, Wisconsin, starting at 5500 E. Cheryl Parkway. The event runs from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and includes individual and team entries, untimed 5K walking options, virtual 5K and 10K choices, and a free 100-yard Kids Dash for ages 2 to 6 with a paid adult registration. The race complements Madison’s Thanksgiving routine: participants get active before the holiday meal, then receive a race bib, long-sleeved shirt or tech hoodie, knit hat, free photos, and Sportstats timing on a precisely measured course. Finish-line items include a Kwik Trip Glazer, chocolate milk, banana, water, and free Oasis Cafe coffee or hot chocolate before and after the race. All proceeds benefit a Wisconsin nonprofit and support Active Youth Wisconsin, which helps children become active by providing equipment and clothing.

Freeze for Food, a long-standing Madison, Wisconsin race, is held at the Vilas Park Shelter on Vilas Park Drive. The event features a 5K run/walk at noon and a 10K run at 1 PM, allowing participants to walk, run one distance, or register for both. Organized by RPCVs of Wisconsin-Madison, it is an annual community event with modest entry fees. The race benefits food security and collaborates with Open Doors for Refugees, connecting the day to local aid efforts beyond just finish times. Runners and walkers gather at Vilas Park, with race-day bib pickup available at the shelter and early pickup at Movin' Shoes on South Park Street. The series has been active for over 45 years, establishing it as a Madison winter tradition centered on participation, fundraising, and a straightforward park-based race format.