"Run of the Dead" 5K/10K Run-Walk takes competitors through two historic cemeteries Nov. 7

The SDBA-hosted event celebrates the Mexican holiday of Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos)

DETROIT – October 7, 2015 – The Southwest Detroit Business Association (SDBA) will host the 2015 “Run of the Dead” from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Nov. 7 at the Patton Park Recreation Center, 2301 Woodmere St., Detroit. The USTAF-certified 5K/10K race will take hundreds of competitors through two of Southwest Detroit’s most historic cemeteries in celebration of Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead), a Mexican holiday honoring deceased loved ones.

“The SDBA is proud to host our annual ‘Dia de los Muertos’ event to celebrate Mexican culture and this widely popular holiday,” said SDBA President Kathy Wendler. “We encourage local residents and visitors to come out and join us for a little bit of fun and friendly competition. Once the race is over, we hope everyone will enjoy the rest of the day by exploring the more than 1,700 small businesses in Southwest Detroit, including authentic Mexican restaurants, bakeries, retailers and specialty grocery stores.”


Photo by HB Meeks/Tell Us Detroit

Registration begins at 7 a.m. with the 5K/10K race starting at 9 a.m. and promptly ending by noon. The event features awards for top male and female 5K and 10K finishers, prizes by age category and swag bags with local treats. Participants also are invited to wear traditional face-paint, flowers and attire. Non-traditional costumes are not encouraged. A special tribute to honor deceased loved ones will take place at the beginning of the event in observance of the annual Dia de los Muertos celebration.

Local Zumba instructor Roberto Nearon will kick off the race by leading the crowd in a Zumba warm-up. Participants also will enjoy live entertainment during registration and along the racecourse, including performances by Lovely Lyra Ladies and the Dreamland Theatre Troupe. Once on the racecourse, participants will pass gravestones, headstones, mausoleums and other burial sites found at Holy Cross and Woodmere cemeteries. There also will be signs with interesting facts, including details about notable individuals who are buried at each location.


Photo by HB Meeks/Tell Us Detroit

Registration for the 5K and 10K races are $25 and $30, respectively, and includes an event bib, T-shirt and swag bag. Participants are encouraged to pick up their race packets from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday, Nov. 2 through Friday, Nov. 6, at the SDBA’s first floor atrium, 7752 W. Vernor Hwy, Detroit. There will be limited day of registration at Patton Park beginning at 7 a.m. for an additional $5 fee per race. For more information, to register or volunteer, visit www.southwestdetroit.com.

Sponsors for the 2015 Run of the Dead include: Gran Calavera sponsors are Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Ideal Group; Veladora Sponsors are Burger King, Mexican Village Restaurant, La Michoacana Tortilla Factory, Better Made Snack Foods, Wayne County Sheriff Department, One Custom City, Hart Medical EMS, Southwest Rides, Honey Bee Market La Colmena, Woodmere Cemetery Association, and Zumba con Roberto; the Presenting Sponsor is Buena Vida Pharmacy; Media Sponsor is TellUsDetroit.com.



About the Southwest Detroit Business Association
Founded in 1957, the Southwest Detroit Business Association fosters innovation, drive and commitment in the southwest Detroit community. It supports the community’s vision for a healthy, vibrant neighborhood. The SDBA works with local businesses, investors, entrepreneurs, customers and neighbors to develop a place where more and more people are choosing to live, work, shop and play – a place where you find Business Building Community and Community Building Business. For more information, visit www.southwestdetroit.com.