DETROIT: The Southwest Detroit Business Association (SDBA) will host the 2023 “Run of the Dead” from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023 at the George S. Patton Park Recreation Center, 2301 Woodmere in Southwest Detroit. The event, which is a fundraiser for the Center of Music & Performing Arts Southwest (COMPÁS), celebrates the holiday of Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead), which honors deceased loved ones.
A program of the SDBA, COMPÁS is an arts education organization that provides high-quality performing arts training and cultural experiences with an emphasis on youth development. The program preserves the Latino heritage of Southwest Detroit and celebrates its diversity through the arts.
“This is always an exciting time of year for the Mexican-American community in Southwest Detroit as we celebrate Día de Los Muertos,” said SDBA Interim President & CEO Laura Chávez-Wazeerud-Din. “We look forward to welcoming all of the participants who are coming out to show their support as well as the many sponsors who have partnered with us for this meaningful event to celebrate our culture and traditions.”
The Run of the Dead is USATF-certified 5K and 10K event that will begin at 9 a.m., taking competitors through Southwest Detroit’s historic Holy Cross and Woodmere cemeteries. The event will include a variety of activities to celebrate and teach participants the significance of the holiday. This includes an ofrenda (altar) that will be created and displayed by a local artist.
The community is invited to participate by bringing family photos of their ancestors to add to the altar. Participants are invited to wear traditional Día de Los Muertos face paint, flowers, and attire. Halloween and non-traditional costumes are not encouraged.
General registration for the event is $55 for the 5K and $60 for the 10K and includes a race T-shirt, bib and swag bag. Event Day registration is $75 for both events.
Photos from previous runs courtesy of SDBA.
For more information about the SDBA and its 2023 Run of the Dead, visit www.southwestdetroit.com