Cool autumn air, colorful leaves and a little Halloween spirit welcomed runners and walkers to Palos Park’s fourth annual Spooky Shuffle 5K and 10K Trail Run/Walk on Saturday, Oct. 17.
Held at Swallow Cliff South Forest Preserve, the race brought together runners, families and friends for a morning of exercise and fun along the winding trails of the Sag Valley region.
Palos Park Mayor Nicole Milovich-Walters said the event gives people a chance to enjoy the outdoors while connecting with their community.
“I love the Spooky Shuffle because it’s a fun way to get outside and be active! It’s great to see friends, families, and neighbors embrace healthy lifestyles while enjoying the beauty of Palos Park in the fall,” Milovich-Walters said.
The support could be seen along the sidelines, where Clara Murray, 5, of Palos Heights, cheered for her dad with a handmade sign that read, “Go Dad!” Her enthusiastic message captured the family-friendly spirit of the event, where spectators played just as much a part in the morning as the runners themselves.
The Spooky Shuffle started in 2023 and has become a fall tradition in Palos Park. Before this year’s race, 110 participants had registered for the 5K and 10K events.
Stephen DeFalco, director of the Village of Palos Park Department of Recreation and Parks, said the race stands out because trail-running opportunities are limited throughout Cook County.
“There are very few trail races in Cook County compared to the amount of road races,” DeFalco said. “Last I checked, Spooky Shuffle is one of only about 15 trail races that happen all year, so it’s a very special opportunity to have a technical but fun and beautiful race experience.”
Runners made their way along unpaved gravel trails, navigating hills and ravines while taking in the fall colors. The natural terrain offered a different challenge from running on paved roads, making the race a unique experience for participants.
The 10K began at 9 a.m., followed by the 5K run/walk at 9:05 a.m. Participants could register and pick up their race packets on the morning of the event.
For Milovich-Walters, the race is about more than crossing a finish line. It also reflects the connections that make Palos Park a close-knit community.
“The Spooky Shuffle represents everything that makes Palos Park such a special place to call home — a strong sense of community, neighbors coming together, and families creating lasting memories,” Milovich-Walters said. “It’s more than a fun fall tradition; it’s an opportunity to celebrate our community spirit, bring generations together, and enjoy the connections that make our village so special.”
The race also serves a practical purpose for the village. Proceeds from registration fees help fund Palos Park capital projects. Without a parks foundation, the village relies in part on community events such as the Spooky Shuffle and Doggie Dash to support local initiatives.
Organizers have also made sustainability part of the event. In previous years, runners received reusable Nathan Sports cups to help reduce single-use waste at aid stations, and Waste Not provided composting for produce waste.
With its scenic trails, fall atmosphere and families cheering from the sidelines, the Spooky Shuffle offered a chance for people to get outside, stay active and enjoy the community they call home. Since its start in 2023, the race has become another way for Palos Park residents and neighboring communities to come together and celebrate the season.
