Palos Park Spooky Shuffle
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Palos Park Spooky Shuffle 2026
The Palos Park Spooky Shuffle is a trail run and walk held at Swallow Cliff South Forest Preserve in Palos Park, Illinois. The event offers two distances on unpaved, mostly gravel trails that run through the Sag Valley Trail System and the Palos region's ravines and hills.
- 5K - out-and-back route bypassing Horsetail Lake
- 10K - longer loop including Horsetail Lake with steeper inclines and declines
Course notes state the trails include elevation uncommon in the Chicagoland area and, on the 10K, sections with steep inclines, declines, and possible loose gravel. Courses may change slightly based on trail conditions. Awards are given to top overall male and female finishers and to age-group placings across listed age brackets; additional divisions may be added if an age category exceeds participant thresholds.
Logistics include a pre-race packet pick-up at the Palos Park Recreation Center on the Friday before the event and on race day at the venue. A friend or family member may pick up a packet if race staff are notified in advance for ID verification. Race day parking is at Swallow Cliff South off LaGrange Road; overflow parking will be redirected to Forty Acre Woods with an option to walk a short distance or use a shuttle.
The event emphasizes sustainability by providing reusable race day cups and offering both cotton and poly-blend performance race shirt options. The race proceeds in rain or shine, with the organizer able to cancel for severe inclement weather. Participants must register by October 2 to be guaranteed race shirt, reusable cup, and finisher medal. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
