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.
You can watch the festivities that were streamed live by clicking the button below.
Check out more photos from race day!
El Trote de las Calacas Marketplace
Main Library Meadows
Community Rooms
Saturday, October 18 9 am - Noon
Join us at the Marketplace this Saturday, October 18, from 9 a.m. to Noon in the Meadows Community Rooms!
Everyone is invited to celebrate our El Trote de las Calacas 5k Race with facepainting, entertainment, vendors and more. Explore a variety of craft booths featuring beautiful Day of the Dead–themed creations available for purchase. Support talented local artisans by purchasing unique items and decorations for your Ofrenda altars.
Don’t forget to stop by and visit the sponsors of the Trote de Calacas event as well. We look forward to seeing you inside the Library this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Media
Martha Martinez, Jean Bednar, Mayor Dave Kaptain and Elisa Lara invite you to cheer on the runners and enjoy the Marketplace!
We thank our speakers, Dr. Suzanne Johnson, Elisa Lara and Jean Bednar for wearing the official 2025 El Trote shirt.
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.
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
Elgin Courier-News
Published September 30, 2025 | By Mike Danahey
Spooktacular community gatherings and Day of the Dead celebrations will be held in the Elgin area now through the first weekend in November. Here’s a rundown of many of them to help you start making plans.
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.
The race is presented by a partnership between the U-46 Educational Foundation and the Gail Borden Public Library Foundation.
2025 Sponsors
Premiere Sponsor
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
The Punnoose Family
Charitable Trust Denise Broz
Bronze Sponsors
Copper Sponsor
Co-Sponsor
