Centro’s Day of the Dead 5K race will be held in downtown Raleigh at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022.

The Day of the Dead 5K was originally created as an opportunity to do something fun while educating people about the Day of the Dead holiday. The race starts at Centro Mexican Restaurant and runs through the Oakwood Cemetery and loops back to Wilmington Street.

Two traditional Day of the Dead altars are set up for the event — one on Wilmington Street and another in Oakwood Cemetery — where people are able to place offerings of flowers and written messages in memory of their loved ones that have passed away.

The race also includes a children’s art corner sponsored by Artspace, face painting by Paint Savvy, prizes from local businesses for top runners and best costumes, a deejay and a dance-off. Trophy Brewing has made a special beer for all runners who are at least 21-years-old.

The race raises money for the Brentwood Boys & Girls Club and has raised more than $140,000 since it started. This year, race organizers have a goal to sponsor more than 100 kids from the club to run the race through the “Sponsor a Little Runner” program; a $30 donation will pay a child’s entry fee.