Five-person teams will race homemade coffins on wheels down Beloit Avenue in Forest Park on Saturday, Oct. 24. The village's 14th Annual Casket Races return with trophies, a costume parade and free admission for spectators.

Four runners push each wheeled casket while a fifth teammate rides inside as the designated "ghost," according to Discover Berwyn, which previewed the event. Trophies go to the fastest teams, the funniest casket, the creepiest casket and the team that finishes Dead Last.

The races are free to watch. Teams pay $40 to enter, according to the Forest Park Chamber of Commerce & Development, which organizes the event.

Schedule

The chamber's event page lists the Oct. 24 schedule:

  • 9–9:30 a.m.: Team check-in
  • 9:30 a.m.: Food vendors and festivities open
  • 9:30–10 a.m.: Rules and format review for teams
  • 10:30 a.m.: Parade of Caskets
  • 11 a.m.: Races begin; trophies awarded after the final heat
  • Before the final four heats: Kids and pets costume parade
  • 12:30–2:30 p.m.: Trick or Treat on Madison Street

The races run on Beloit Avenue between Madison and Adams streets.

A tradition since 2012

The event started in 2012 and has grown into one of Forest Park's signature fall gatherings. The Forest Park Review's coverage of last year's 13th annual race showed teams from local organizations including the Park District of Forest Park, the Forest Park Public Library, Madison Street Theater, Extreme Realty, Little Teeth Big Smiles and Grand Appliance.

Forest Park Commissioner Voogd flagged the Oct. 24 date during the village council's Aug. 24 meeting, according to council minutes. River Forest Trustee Brennan attended the 10th annual race in October 2022 and encouraged fellow board members to go, per River Forest Village Board minutes from that month.

After the races

Trick or Treat on Madison Street runs from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., giving families a chance to continue the Halloween festivities along Forest Park's Madison Street corridor.

The event is outdoors. The chamber recommends checking its event page for last-minute schedule updates before heading out. Registration details for racing teams are listed on the chamber's event page.