Costumes are not mandatory, but they do crank up the fun (and fear) factor, and of course, there will be prizes for the best and scariest ensembles. First race up is the Spooky Mile, at 5:30, for children under 12 and accompanying adults. While kids can check their times on the clock, they will not be chip timed. That’s probably a good thing—the candy stations along the route are going to slow everyone down a bit, so don’t forget to bring your trick or treat bags.

For adult participants, there are 5K and 10K walk/run courses that offer a good workout and multiple opportunities for adrenalin spikes. The 5K features two passes of the Cemetery of the Dead (is there another kind?) and the Haunted Castle before you slip through the pumpkin patch and enter the dreaded Zombie Zone (there had to be one).

It gets even scarier for the 10K competitors, who encounter Horrible Hill, Spooky Bridge and Mad Dog Park, among other bone-chilling scenarios. But with double the scary effects planned this year for all runners, organizers urge you to prepare for a hell-bent finale as you scream to the finish.

Afterwards, enjoy the Monster Dash after party, where food and beverages will be served and prizes awarded. That should take the chill off a spine-tingling evening.

For more information, visit: www.monsterdash.ca

Photos courtesy www.monsterdash.ca