El Trote De Las Calacas

Lively Cultural Event & Certified 5K Race

Get ready to join the fun at the second annual Trot of the Skeletons! The Gail Borden Public Library District Foundation and the U-46 Educational Foundation have teamed up to bring you this exciting 5K fundraising race. Whether you’re a runner or a walker, you can celebrate the festive Day of the Dead with delicious food, music and amazing costumes.

Are you unable to attend the El Trote 2025? You can watch some of the festivities as they will be streamed live starting before the 9 am 5K race by clicking the button below.

Watch Facebook Live

Vendor submission forms are now open!

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October 18, 2025 • 9 am

This is a rain or shine event.

Registration

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Sponsorship Opportunities

Sponsorship proceeds will be shared between the U-46 Educational Foundation and the Gail Borden Public Library District Foundation (both organizations are nonprofit/501(c)(3)).

Please make out checks to Gail Borden Public Library District Foundation, 270 N. Grove, Elgin, IL 60120.

To sponsor or find out more, contact Denise Raleigh at draleigh@gailborden.info.

Click here to see more info.

Group Walk/Run Prep with CrossKicks

Tuesdays, 9/9, 9/23, 10/7 6 pm

Gather near Gail Borden Library/Fox River Trail as Cross Kicks Fitness Coaches guide those who have never participated in a 5k before as they walk/run part of the trail. The El Trote de las Calacas 5K is Oct 18, so there is still time to prep & sign up!

News

Skeleton Trot 5K and Marketplace Festival to benefit U-46 and Gail Borden Library foundations

Daily Herald

Published August 20, 2025 | By Denise Raleigh

Two local organizations are teaming up once again to present a celebration of Mexican culture. Organizers hope to build on the enthusiasm from last year’s event, when they expected 500 participants but nearly double that number showed up.