Now that fall is almost here (who else is counting down to Sunday?), it’s time to take a look at the races that shine in the season. No matter were you live, fall is a great time to run. So what are you registering for, next?
Halloween Races
Obviously, Halloween is a huge fall holiday, which means there are probably some themed races in honor of All Hallow’s Eve. Locally, we have a few spooky options, including the Jail Break 5K, which starts from The Oldest (haunted) Jail and features a candy skull medal, and the Evergreen Pumpkin Run, where runners get to take home a pumpkin after running a race in the oldest cemetery in Jacksonville. Super cool.
Breast Cancer Runs
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and we have a few local foundations that offer races to support this cause. If it fits in my schedule, I always try to do one of them, in honor of those who have lost loved ones to this horrific disease. In Jacksonville, check out the DONNA 5K at TPC Sawgrass, while St. Augustine has Pink Up The Pace.
Turkey Trots
Of course, Thanksgiving morning is a great time for a race. I’m always down for a good turkey trot, whether I’m home or on the road. Turkey Trots range from super casual 5Ks, to longer distances (our biggest race brand puts on a half marathon), and are a great way to gear up for a day of food, family, friends, fun, and giving thanks. Check out the Community First Thanksgiving Distance Classic, Tony’s Turkey Trot, or the First Coast Turkey Trot to get your gobble on!
What does the fall selection of races look like in your hometown?
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I did love doing Turkey Trot races when we were in Florida!
Obviously, we don’t have these in Europe (neither do we have Halloween races), but there are plenty of other races going on.
I’m doing the 3-country marathon in October, which runs through Germany, Austria and Switzerland. I’m looking forward to it!
Oh, that sounds like such a cool opportunity!
We have the Baltimore Running Festival in October which is a huge event with all different distances. Its very hilly and has gotten really expensive, so I probably won’t run it this year. I’m planning to do some November races, just still figuring that out.
I do love those running festivals, but they can be pricey!
I love theme races. With marathon training I have to skip a pumpkin race but always make time for a turkey trot.
Our breast cancer race has been discontinued but next summer I plan to run a 5k in the Hamptons.
Oh no! I’m so sorry to hear that! We have a few in October, and then our big breast cancer marathon (DONNA) is actually in February, and they have another race on Mother’s Day.
I really should do the Turkey Trot again this year, but I am not sure if we’ll be out of town or not, so it’s going to be a last minute decision.
I’ll probably do my own Halloween run through our neighborhood again. Those are always fun 🙂