Carrera de los Muertos Draws Several Thousand Runners to Pilsen
A Tradition of Remembrance and Celebration
Several thousand runners raced through Pilsen Saturday morning to raise money for a local nonprofit and to pay tribute to their deceased loved ones.
About the Carrera de los Muertos
The Carrera de los Muertos is an annual 5k race benefiting UNO, a Chicago-based nonprofit that works to empower young girls across the city through leadership, professional development and other programs.
Now in its 17th year, the race has become a tradition and part of thousands of people’s annual celebrations for Dia de los Muertos, a Mexican holiday typically observed November 1-2 and dedicated to remembering loved ones who have died.
Race Details
This year’s event had a record-breaking 7,000 participants, raising money for UNO’s RunHer program, a collaboration with NAMI Chicago that supports middle school girls as they train to run in Carrera de los Muertos.
“This was a lot of these girls’ first 5K, which is such an empowering thing for them to participate in,” said Brenda Bahena, bilingual education and engagement specialist for NAMI Chicago. “By facing this, they realize they can accomplish any challenge they put their mind to.”
Tradition and Celebration
For Elizabeth Gonzalez, the race was an opportunity to educate her young daughter, Joy Capetillo, about Dia de los Muertos and pass down the tradition.
“We were learning about the crowns and headpieces that are worn for the holiday, so we made our own to get in the spirit,” Gonzalez, of Burbank, said. “It’s a beautiful way to bring back our heritage.”
Joy said she was running in honor of her grandma, who died of lung challenges, she said.
“I’m grateful that she’s in heaven and at peace, but especially that we get to celebrate and remember her today,” Joy said.
A Digital Ofrenda
New to the race this year was a digital ofrenda, which consisted of a large screen displaying more than 200 photos of loved ones that were submitted by participants, Solis said. It was decorated with marigolds from Petals from Heaven, 5708 S. Pulaski Road in West Elsdon.
Claudia Sandoval, who participated in Saturday’s race, said seeing her late mother’s photo pop up on the digital ofrenda reminded her of the day’s purpose.
“It let me know that she’s here with me,” Sandoval said. “I always ask her to send a sign to me, and this was it.”
Conclusion
Carrera de los Muertos is a unique event that combines elements of remembrance, celebration, and community. With its rich cultural heritage and commitment to empowering young girls, it has become a beloved tradition in Pilsen and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Carrera de los Muertos?
A: The Carrera de los Muertos is an annual 5k race benefiting UNO, a Chicago-based nonprofit that works to empower young girls across the city through leadership, professional development and other programs.
Q: What is Dia de los Muertos?
A: Dia de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is a Mexican holiday typically observed November 1-2 and dedicated to remembering loved ones who have died.
Q: How many participants did this year’s event have?
A: This year’s event had a record-breaking 7,000 participants.
Q: What is the purpose of the digital ofrenda?
A: The digital ofrenda is a large screen displaying more than 200 photos of loved ones submitted by participants, creating a visual representation of remembrance and celebration.
