By: Carmen Lopez

Carrera de los Muertos is a unique race that has been taking over the Pilsen neighborhood since 2007. The race allows runners to indulge in a course that allows them a first hand view of the beauty and history of the Pilsen and University Village neighborhoods. “I was 24 years-old, if I remember correctly, when I came up with the idea for the race,” said Executive Race Director for Carrera de los Muertos Carlos Jaramillo.

The idea for Carrera de los Muertos was born after Jaramillo participated in the Chicago Marathon back in 2006. He recalled feeling the vibe and energy pulsating in the Pilsen neighborhood as he raced through. “I remember heading into Pilsen from Taylor Street,” said Jaramillo. “I just remember seeing mariachis, people waving the Mexican flag, people cheering and a DJ playing house music.” That experience inspired Jaramillo to recreate that vibe for people who were interested in running a shorter distance in the Pilsen community.

Year after year, the race beneficiary is the United Neighborhood Organization (UNO) Charter School after school programs. And as years past, Jaramillo insures each yearly race centers around Day of the Dead, showcasing its rich cultural significance for all to enjoy and take part in.

A characteristic that makes Carrera de los Muertos unique is that the race coordinators attempt to accommodate to all of the needs the average runner might have. Jaramillo wanted the race to allow runners to have a different experience from other races they have participated in before. “Races don’t focus on those small details. You run along the lakefront, you receive a shirt, you receive some water and bananas, all while raising money for a good cause, but the actual experience tends to get saturated and each race experience tends not to be unique,” said Jaramillo about not overlooking the small details.

Carrera de los Muertos focuses on the small details by having an interactive way of revealing the shirt color through their Facebook page. “We like having so much fun with the race shirt and try to make it as cook as possible every year,” said Jaramillo. “We want to separate ourselves from all the other races and we want to provide something fun and unique for people to look forward to every year,” he added.

Another reason why so many families enjoy Carrera de los Muertos? The food, of course. Parent groups are able to bring their own variety of delectable dishes and snacks on race day and sell them to help fundraise and support UNO’s different programs. “The fact that we have a number of schools in Chicago made me realize that it would be a good way for each of our parent groups at the schools to raise money for trips and clubs,” said Jaramillo.

As Carrera de los Muertos approaches, runners and spectators alike will be able to enjoy the many features of what inspired Jaramillo just six years ago. “There’s still a lot of room to grow,” said Jaramillo. “Eighteenth Street becomes one big block party and I can’t wait to hear the crowd cheer.”