Montana Tech’s SWEet Race Returns Halloween Day With Costumes, Candy and a Cause

BUTTE, Mont. — Halloween festivities in Butte will get an early start this year as Montana Technological University's Society of Women Engineers (SWE) prepares to host its annual SWEet Race on Saturday, October 31, 2026.

The community event combines running, walking, Halloween costumes and fundraising, with proceeds supporting breast cancer research and opportunities for Montana Tech engineering students.

With the race falling directly on Halloween this year, organizers are adding even more holiday excitement, including a costume contest and trick-or-treating opportunities for children participating in the one-mile walk.

Halloween Costumes and Candy Take Center Stage

Participants of all ages are encouraged to dress in their favorite Halloween costumes for the event.

SWE President Hannah Gingery said the timing makes this year's race especially exciting for younger participants.

"Kids wake up Halloween morning and they just want to be in their costume all day and are so excited," Gingery said. "This race will be nice for them."

Costumes have become a tradition at the SWEet Race, with participants getting creative over the years.

Gingery recalled one participant who transformed a ghillie suit into a pumpkin patch, along with a group of dogs dressed as characters from PAW Patrol.

This year, organizers hope even more runners, walkers and their four-legged companions will participate in the costume festivities.

Supporting Breast Cancer Research and Engineering Students

While the event brings Halloween fun to the community, it also serves an important fundraising purpose.

Half of the money raised will benefit Susan G. Komen for breast cancer research, while the other half will support Montana Tech's Society of Women Engineers.

For Gingery, one of the most meaningful parts of the event is connecting with individuals and families who have been affected by breast cancer.

"That's always the best part of the race," she said. "You really make connections with those people."

The funds raised for SWE help provide educational and professional development opportunities for its members, including travel to conferences.

Last year, members attended a professional conference in New Orleans. This year, students are preparing to travel to Boston shortly after the Halloween race.

"Organizing this race takes a lot, but it's so rewarding," Gingery said.

Registration and Ways to Help

Community members interested in participating can register for the race, while those unable to attend can still support the cause through donations, volunteering or contributing raffle items.

Registration costs are:

• $25 for the general public

• $15 for students and children

SWE members will also be at the Butte Farmers' Market every other weekend through the end of the market season, offering opportunities to register, donate or purchase event T-shirts.

Organizers are also seeking candy donations for the children's trick-or-treat experience.

Anyone interested in donating candy can contact SWE President Hannah Gingery at hgingery@mtech.edu.

"Donate, sign up, run, wear a costume," Gingery said.

A Halloween Tradition With a Purpose

The SWEet Race offers families an opportunity to celebrate Halloween while supporting two causes: breast cancer research and the next generation of women in engineering.

Whether participants choose to run, walk, volunteer or simply support the fundraiser, organizers are encouraging the Butte community to get involved.

The SWEet Race takes place Saturday, October 31, 2026, in Butte. The supplied event announcement does not specify a start time or exact race location.