For fifteen years, the West Seattle Monster Dash has brought festive Halloween energy, colorful costumes, and neighbors together at Lincoln Park.

What began as a local neighborhood celebration has grown into a cherished West Seattle tradition, uniting current cooperative families, alumni, and local community members for a autumn morning of running and festive togetherness.

Scheduled for Saturday, October 24, 2026, this year's 15th annual event marks a decade and a half of community tradition, but it also arrives at a critical turning point for local early childhood education.

Behind the costume contest and trail run lies a vital mission: the Monster Dash serves as the primary annual fundraiser for South Seattle College Cooperative Preschools. This year, that grassroots support is more essential than ever. Following recent modifications to Washington state's community-college funding model, parent-education programs across the state are facing major financial uncertainty. The South Seattle College Cooperative Preschool community has spent much of the past year actively working to determine how to keep these long-standing parent-education programs sustainable. As a result, this 15th annual run is more than just a seasonal gathering; it is a crucial effort to preserve the future of local early learning.

Set against the scenic backdrop of Lincoln Park (8611 Fauntleroy Way Southwest, Seattle), the morning offers activities designed for all ages.

The timed 5K Run/Walk begins at 9:30 a.m. PDT ($40 entry fee), welcoming runners, walkers, and jogging strollers onto the park trails. At 10:30 a.m. PDT, children ages 12 and under can line up for the Kids Monster Dash ($20 entry fee), where young runners chase a costumed monster through the park paths. Throughout the event, Lincoln Park will host a lively Kids Zone featuring games, activities, prizes, a photo booth, a live DJ, warm drinks, and food, creating an inclusive space for current families, alumni, and neighbors to celebrate together.

Participants can register in advance, select a shirt-only option, or supplement their entry with direct donations to help bridge the funding gap. Packet pickup opens on race morning at 8:15 a.m. near the Lincoln Park start line, with advance pickup options available at West Seattle Runner (2743 California Ave SW, Suite 101). For full details on event schedules, registration, and ways to support, visit the main West Seattle Monster Dash Website or the central RunSignUp Race Page. To explore the broader network of early learning and parent education opportunities, visit the West Seattle Preschools Central Site. Course directions and location details are available on the Lincoln Park Race Directions page.