15 gorgeous fall races for every level runner
Consider this the start of running season.
For runners, the arrival of fall means more than apple-picking, corn mazes, and tasty treats. It’s also one of the best seasons for road races.The season’s cooler temperatures—and beautiful foliage—make this the perfect time to lace up your sneakers. Whether you’re a total novice or a practiced pro, you can find a gorgeous fall race still open for registration here.
Beginners
Sonia’s Run: September 17
This annual 5K run/walk is in its eighth year and definitely one for the entire family. After completing the course, participants will find a fall fair filled with vendors and local farms, as well as games, crafts, a kids’ fun run, face painting, a bouncy house, a cookout, and a pie contest. Pre-race registration costs $25, and day-of costs $30. Sonia’s Run benefits the “Building on a Dream” Fund for Theophany School, in remembrance of the school’s founder, Sonia Daly. (55 Emmonsdale Rd., West Roxbury)Blue Cross Blue Shield Island Run: September 18
A start in the heart of the Seaport, a ferry ride, ocean breezes, Harbor Island views, and beautiful trails—this 5K or five-mile race around Spectacle Island (and powered by Boston.com) has it all. Your $50 registration also includes a post-race party during the cruise home through Boston Harbor, featuring lunch from b.good, cold beverages from Blue Moon and White Claw, and tunes from RadioBDC. (200 Seaport Blvd., Boston)Apple Harvest Run: October 2
This 5K or five-mile run through the pastoral streets of West Newbury is sure give you your fill of foliage, food, and post-race fun. Also included: a children’s one-mile fun run. Registration for either the five-mile or 5K run costs $25, or $30 on race day, and all proceeds benefit the Dr. John C. Page Elementary School. (Action Cove Playground/Baseball Fields, 15 Bachelor St., West Newbury)Cambridge 5K Oktoberfest: October 2
Are you a beer enthusiast who wants to give running a try? This is the race for you. Registration for the 5K is $35 and includes a race shirt, food, and beer from Cambridge Brewing Co., Notch Brewing, Bantam Cider, Swiss Bakers, and Jacob Wirth. (100 Cambridgeside Place, Cambridge)Powisset Farm Trail Run: October 23
A trail run that takes you through Powisset Farm and the neighboring Noanet Woodlands. Runners can choose between three race distances: 8.3 miles, 5.6 miles, and 1.5 miles. Plus, all net proceeds from the 1.5-mile run, which has a $10 registration fee, are donated to the farm. (37 Powisset St., Dover)
Powisset Farm in Dover.
Intermediate
Middlesex Fells Trail Running Festival: September 11
Any nature lover will appreciate a trial run through Stoneham’s Middlesex Fells Reservation. Runners can choose between a five- and 10-mile race (for $35 or $45, respectively) around an area best known for its tower with an iconic view of Boston. Registration also includes a shirt, finisher medal, and food and beer from Notch Brewing, Slumbrew, and Bantam Cider. (DCR Middlesex Fells Reservation, Bear Hill Parking Area, 90 Fallon Rd., Stoneham)Cape Cod Canal 10K: September 17
It doesn’t have to be summer in order to enjoy the Cape. For this 10K race along Cape Cod Canal, you get to run along the water for the entire course. The race, which is in its fifth year, starts and ends at the Bourne Bridge, with water stops at miles two and four. Registration costs $50. (370 Scenic Highway, Bourne)Ocean Road 10K by Polar: October 2
Flat and scenic (so perfect for first-time 10K racers), Competitor magazine named this race “Best 5K/10K in the Northeast” in 2014. Start at Point Judith Lighthouse, and make strides along Ocean Road all the way to Town Beach in Narragansett. Registration costs $48, and a portion of the proceeds benefit the Narragansett Historical Society. (Narragansett Town Beach, 77 Boston Neck Rd., Narragansett)Houghton’s Pond Trail Race: October 2
You know Blue Hills Reservation as a destination for summer hiking and winter skiing. It also has a great trail run every fall. The race is described by organizers as a “rolling course over dirt roads and forest paths” around Houghton’s Pond in Milton. Registration is $25, and a portion of the proceeds benefit the Friends of the Blue Hills. (Houghton’s Pond Main Parking Lot, 0.2 miles west of Blue Hills Reservation Headquarters, 840 Hillside St., Milton)Boston Firefighters Local 718 10K Memorial Road Race: October 16
This flat course has plenty of ocean views around Dorchester Bay. Another reason 1,000 runners return for it year after year is the crowd support—the start and finish areas of the course are usually lined with Boston firefighters. After the race, enjoy food, drinks, and traditional Irish music by The Fenian Sons. Registration costs $40. (Florian Hall, 55 Hallet St., Dorchester)
Advanced
Wicked Half Marathon: September 17
This half marathon, now in its ninth year, draws more than 1,000 runners ranging from beginners to elite. The rolling hills and historic sites of Marblehead and Salem make the 13.1 miles feel (almost) effortless. The race has won multiple awards, including being voted one of the top 100 best half marathons in the country by The 100 Half Marathons Club members in 2014 and being named Best Half Marathon by North Shore Race Guide in 2015. Registration costs $55. (Salem Willows, Salem, Mass.)Half Marathon-by-the-Sea: September 25
For this race, runners get the best of both worlds: ocean and lake views. The 13.1-mile flat course takes participants by a scenic harbor and coastline in Manchester-by-the-Sea, then past gorgeous fresh-water lakes in Hamilton. Registration costs $74. (Manchester Essex Elementary School, 43 Lincoln St., Manchester-by-the-Sea)Harwich Cranberry Harvest Half Marathon and 10K: October 2
This Cape Cod half marathon takes runners along the coast, through quaint neighborhoods in Harwich, and past the town’s picturesque cranberry bogs. After the race, runners can enjoy a beer and wine garden, BBQ, and live music. Registration costs $62. (Monomoy Regional High School, 75 Oak St., Harwich)
The Point Judith lighthouse sits at the southernmost tip of Narragansett peninsula.
Narragansett Fall Half Marathon: October 16
Running through the quiet, rural streets of Swansea and Rehoboth makes this half marathon great. What makes it a must-do race is the beer, cider, and, yes, pumpkin pie at the finish line. Registration costs $79 and also includes a long-sleeve shirt. (Swansea Mall, 262 Swansea Mall Dr., Swansea)
Falmouth in the Fall Road Race: November 6
It’s a staple event down the Cape each summer, but few know that you can run the same challenging and picturesque seven-mile course through Falmouth Heights with less traffic and fewer runners each fall. Registration is $20 and benefits numerous charities, including the Tom Leonard Awards, Lupus Foundation New England, and the Falmouth Service Center. (Buses for runners at 113 Lakeview Ave., Falmouth)
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