Races to Add To Your Fall Running Routine

Was one of your New Year’s resolutions or plans for 2021 to run a 5K or marathon? It’s not too late to hit that goal. With its cooler weather and more structured routines, fall is a great time to pick up running and a local run can help you accomplish any movement goal you have — even if you compete on your treadmill. Sign up for one of these to raise money for charity and ramp up your workout. 

Harvest Run

• Cost: Free
• Complete by: Sept. 11, 2021

This 2.5-mile walk/run is free to anyone who wants to participate. Registration required.

Dragon Dash 5K

• Cost: $14-$17
• Complete by: Sept. 12, 2021

This annual 5K race takes runners along the Polly Ann Trail. It starts and ends at Wildwood Ampitheater. Deadline to enter is Sept. 3, 2021.

Diehl’s Ciderfest 5K

• Cost: $15-$25
• Complete by: Sept. 25, 2021

Choose from a 1-mile or 4-mile run through the apple orchards. Stick around after the run for donuts, ciders and apples.

Jolly Pumpkin 5K Run Dearborn

• Cost: $25-$55
• Complete by: Sept. 26, 2021

This event offers a 5K walk/run or a half-mile race. Each runner gets a t-shirt, finisher medal, food and beer or pop.

Thru The Leaves Half Marathon

• Cost: $24-$70
• Complete by: Oct. 2-3, 2021

Veteran runners will enjoy this trail run, which offers a half marathon, 5K and 10K runs.

Le Run for Le Rouge

• Cost: $30-$35 (plus a $4.28 SignUp fee)
• Complete by: Oct. 10, 2021

Detroit’s professional soccer team hosts this 5K race to support youth soccer in the city. Sign up to run in person or virtually.

Le Run for Le Rouge

• Cost: $30-$35 (plus a $4.28 SignUp fee)
• Complete by: Oct. 10, 2021

Detroit’s professional soccer team hosts this 5K race to support youth soccer in the city. Sign up to run in person or virtually.

Zombie Dash

• Cost: $20-$50
• Complete by: Oct. 15, 2021

Those who participate in this 5K (ish) will run through the community wherever they’d like to go. They’ll get a beer at the end of the race, too.

Evening Glow 5K Halloween Run Against Hunger

• Cost: $30
• Complete by: Oct. 16, 2021

This evening glow-themed run goes to support the “Blessings in a Backpack Utica Chapter, which delivers six meals per weekend to at-risk kids.

Halloween Hustle 5K

• Cost: $20-$45
• Complete by: Nov. 30, 2021

This run happens on the newly-paved trails at Freedom Hill County Park and goes to support Maggie’s Wigs 4 Kids.

Ann Arbor Turkey Trot

• Cost: $19-$50
• Complete by: Nov. 25, 2021

Come in your favorite holiday costume and prepare for your Thanksgiving meal with this 5K race. There’s also a 1K run.

Detroit Turkey Trot

• Cost: $24-$70
• Complete by: Nov. 25, 2021

Prepare for your Thanksgiving meal with this annual holiday race. Choose from a 10K, 5K or 1-mile run. Can combine any of these options, too.

This post was originally published in June 2020 and is updated regularly.

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