Halloween in Stockton will take on a healthier twist this year when runners, walkers, stroke survivors and families gather at Lincoln Center for Run For The Brains, a community race that mixes costumes, trick-or-treating and Halloween fun with an important mission: raising awareness about stroke prevention, brain health and recovery.
The event takes place Saturday, October 31, 2026, at Lincoln Center in Stockton, with the 5K, 10K and 1K events beginning at 8 a.m. Formerly known as Brain Health to Beat Stroke, the fundraiser supports Healings in Motion, a local nonprofit that provides education and services focused on brain health, stroke awareness, prevention and recovery.
Halloween Fun With a Purpose
Run For The Brains embraces the Halloween spirit from start to finish.
Participants can expect themed music, trick-or-treating, a Thriller dance competition and plenty of community activities after making their way back to the finish area at Lincoln Center. Costumes and the playful zombie theme add some fun to the morning, but behind the celebration is a serious effort to reduce the impact of stroke in the community.
The event is designed for a wide range of participants.
Runners can choose between a 5K and 10K, while those who prefer to participate remotely can sign up for a virtual 5K. Children ages 12 and younger have their own Little Zombie 1K, giving younger family members a chance to get moving and enjoy some early Halloween fun.
A Race That Makes Room for Survivors
One of the most meaningful parts of the event is the 1K Survivor Champion Walk or Roll.
The course is specifically designed for stroke survivors and others recovering from brain injuries, allowing participants to take part at their own pace and ability level. Rather than focusing on speed or competition, the Survivor Champion event celebrates progress, resilience and recovery.
That inclusion helps make Run For The Brains more than another road race.
Families who have experienced stroke firsthand can participate together, honor loved ones or support someone currently navigating recovery. The event also provides an opportunity for residents who may know very little about stroke to learn more about prevention and the importance of brain health.
Running to Build Awareness
Stroke can affect people and families with little warning, making education and prevention especially important.
Healings in Motion uses events like Run For The Brains to increase awareness while supporting programs and services that help people understand stroke risks and assist survivors during recovery. Event organizers encourage participants to run, walk, donate or take part in honor of someone who has been affected by stroke.
By wrapping that message inside a fun Halloween celebration, organizers are creating an event that can reach people who may never attend a traditional health seminar or educational program.
Event Details
What: Run For The Brains
When: Saturday, October 31, 2026
Start Time: 8 a.m.
Where: Lincoln Center, Stockton
Events: 5K, 10K, Virtual 5K, 1K Survivor Champion Walk or Roll and Little Zombie 1K
Family Activities: Trick-or-treating, themed music, Thriller dance competition and Halloween activities
Registration: Current registration for the 5K and 10K is listed at $45, with scheduled price increases as race day approaches. The Little Zombie 1K is listed at $15.
Purchase Tickets / Register: Register for Run For The Brains
On Halloween morning, Lincoln Center will be filled with runners, walkers, costumes and plenty of spooky fun.
But every mile will also carry a message.
Run For The Brains gives Stockton families a chance to celebrate Halloween together while helping shine a light on stroke prevention, recovery and the people whose lives have been changed by it.