After such a hot and humid summer, I am so enjoying the cooler temps of October so far. In my opinion, October in the DC area is the perfect time to run and to race. The fall here is also full of 10K races which are probably my favorite distance. Looking at my next 2 months, I’ve got a few fun fall races on my schedule.
Hershey Half Marathon- October 16th
This was supposed to be my long race of the fall however, I’ve decided to switch to the relay and complete the half along with a friend Holly. Long story short, with all the craziness of my move this week, I am just not in half marathon running shape at the moment. My foot started bugging me last month and I pulled back on mileage. I’m feeling so much better knowing that I am only doing half of the half. This will still be a fun girls weekend away with chocolate and without risking hurting myself.
MCM 10K-October 30th
This will be the first time for this one! I am really looking forward to being a part of all of the excitement surrounding the MCM marathon. I’ve heard this is a great race and should be lots of fun to do.
Veteran’s Day 10K-November 11
There is a very small, low key, local 10K every year on Veteran’s Day (a Friday this year) that benefits local veterans. I’ve done this race a number of times and it’s always a blast. There are maybe 100 runners and we had a group of about 15 last year.
Girls on The Run 5K -November 20th
One of the highlights of fall races for me is participating in the end of the season GOTR 5K with my team. Watching them accomplish their goals after 10 weeks of training gets me teary each time.
Thanksgiving Day 10K-November 24th
Total opposite of all the other races I am doing, this 10K is one of the biggest in the area. I love getting up on Thanksgiving and running it and seeing all the costumes and craziness. Also really helps destress me for Thanksgiving dinner with the family if you know what I mean. This is also the race where a guy in a full turkey costume (webbed feet and all) blew by me. Yup!
I will probably get talked into adding another one in too. Looking forward to my fall full of 10K’s.
How about you? Fall races you will be running? Favorite distance?
Linking up today with:
Workout Wednesday: AnnMarie, Nicole, Michelle, Michelle,
Coaches Corner: Suz, Debbie, Lora, Rachel
Join in on the fun!
Susie @ Suzlyfe says
I have no races on the radar other than the Turkey Trot at Thanskgiving, and it is making me itchy… I would love to run the Hershey Half!
Deborah Brooks says
I have been feeling so itchy! Even though I am only doing half of the half I am so excited to go to Hershey. Need a break!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says
You’ve got a lot of races planned! Boo to the foot. I hope it calms right back down.
Favorite distance? I like the 10 mile distance. Too bad there aren’t more races that are 10 miles.
Deborah Brooks says
The foot is feeling better but I am not going to push it. Glad to hear that yours is doing well too
Tina@GottaRunNow says
One of my most memorable race yet has been a Thanksgiving 10K I ran years ago! It’s hard to believe Thanksgiving is coming up already. 2 weeks before I’m running a 50K in Arizona while on vacation. Have fun at your races!
Deborah Brooks says
I love the Thanksgiving day races and I am so not ready for Thanksgiving yet.
Debbie @ Coach Debbie Runs says
On the opposite coast I actually have more races planned than usual, including my “anniversary ” race, the Tram Road Challenge. The others all seem to be half marathons, which will be interesting because my mileage is not really up there yet. I’d love to run some D.C. area races someday, if only to meet all the running bloggers in the area! 😀 Thanks for linking up!
Deborah Brooks says
Ooh yes you have to come out and run around here someday. You can stay with me!
Julie @ Running in a Skirt says
What a fun series of races this fall! Good call on pulling back on the half. The hershey’s race will probably be a blast.
Deborah Brooks says
I think it will be lots of fun up there and I am always up for any excuse for chocolate
Lesley says
Sounds like some great choices. I also love the 10k, and the MCM 10k is on my bucket list.
Deborah Brooks says
I am excited to try it this year!
Holly says
No fall races beyond Hershey (relay) with you! But looking forward to that and then the boot for six weeks (strange to be looking forward to that, I know, but I’m excited for healing and hopefully a full recovery from the Achilles tendinitis!).
Deborah Brooks says
Hershey will be a blast and there is no one I’d rather partner with! Best to let your ankle heal so you can come back strong 🙂
Chaitali says
I did the MCM 10k last year and loved it! It really was a great way to be part of the excitement of the weekend if you’re not interested in the marathon. I’m trying the Army 10 miler for the first time this weekend and happy about the Fall weather we should be having 🙂
Deborah Brooks says
Good luck this weekend at ATM looks like the rain will miss us!
Michelle @ Movin' it with Michelle says
I love fall races! I can’t wait to get back at it next year. My favorite distance is probably half marathon or 10K.
Deborah Brooks says
I love the 10k’s because you feel accomplished but yet you don’t have to kill yourself training for it
[email protected] says
What a fun line-up…. Right now I’m just focused on nyc marathon nov 6th, but after that, I will definitely look into a turkey trot… I always run on thanksgiving day, but haven’t done an official trot and that would be fun…. there is a santa 10k in december I’ll probably do – my son wants to join me for that I think, which should be fun.
Deborah Brooks says
“just” the NYC marathon huh?! I love to do the holiday races with my son too. I am wondering if he can beat me this year?
Patricia @Sweet and Strong says
I live in southern MD and have been wanting to do a 5 or 10k for awhile now! My sister is running the MCM so I will probably come cheer her on for that. But I want to look into the Thanksgiving Day race! You have so many awesome ones on your schedule.
Deborah Brooks says
OOh I love the Bethesda Chevy Chase 10K on Thanksgiving. It’s a big race but lots of fun let me know if you are going to do it.
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running says
Where is the T-Day 10k? I might have to join in for that one before we get on the road for my in-laws house.
Deborah Brooks says
oH yea that would be fun!b It’s the Bethesda Chevy Chase 10k on Tday morning. Let me know if you are going to go. I believe its listed on our events page too
Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy says
Fall is such a great time to race, and you have so many great races to choose from!
I do the lower key (free) turkey trot in our area, and since I took over Thanksgiving last year, I totally know what you mean. It does help!
Deborah Brooks says
OH yes it does help!!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets says
It sounds like you’ve got a fun fall planned! I have the Perfect 10 Miler in NJ in a few weeks and then finally the Philly Marathon on November 20. I still would like to do more races in the DC area, maybe next fall!
Deborah Brooks says
That would be fun and I still want to do a race in Philly!
Marsha says
I need to do the Hershey half one of these days. I mean, chocolate!!!! I love the half marathon, but my knees and my doctors are telling me that might become a thing of the past….or maybe one or two a year…..at an expense of more damage 🙁 So right now ANY running is my favorite distance. I’m still hopeful for doing Santa Hustle half marathon in Indy in December. it’s one of my favorite events.
Deborah Brooks says
That sounds like a fun one too! I’d love to find a run to do in Indy or Bloomington maybe a 10K and I can come visit my daughter. I have to remember to ask you
Marsha says
For sure Deborah! Let me know if/when you may be wanting to visit her and I’d be glad to recommend a race.
Deborah Brooks says
Will do!!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus says
So many fun races! I really need to get back to DC for another race. The last one I did there was the Nike Women’s Half in 2014, and I don’t think that one exists anymore :(.
Deborah Brooks says
Too funny I did that one too! Not my favorite course but it was a fun time
Ange // Cowgirl Runs says
I’m subbing in for Jen on Wild Workout Wednesday today 🙂
Now that Calgary is in nearly winter, I have to say I’m pretty jealous about your summer. It’s been too cold here for too long already.
Michelle @ Fruition Fitness says
Love fall racing season! The Hershey race sounds fun! Didn’t realize how fast Thanksgiving was approaching either…have to start signing up!
Deborah Brooks says
I know I am not ready for that yet!
Rachel says
You have a great fall race schedule! I can’t wait for MCM. I’ve heard nothing but awesome things.
Deborah Brooks says
Yes I am really excited to do the 10K this year
Annmarie says
These races all look like fun! I need to check my local running calendar and add a few to my November schedule!
Deborah Brooks says
it’s a fun time of year for races indeed!
Becki @ Fighting for Wellness says
Fall races are my absolute favorite! I don’t have any planned for this year, but I’m hoping by next fall I’ll be injury-free and able to run some of my favorites.
Deborah Brooks says
I hope so too! take care of yourself
Allyson says
I bet the Hershey half is so much fun! And I also love 10K…it feels like a legitimate length but isn’t so intense that it is unreasonable to train for. Good luck on all your races!
Deborah Brooks says
Yes exactly! And thanks so much
Kimberly Hatting says
The 13.1 is my favorite distance (duh!),but I also like doing 10K’s. Unfortunately, there are not too many of those in my neck of the woods. I have one more 13.1 (on Oct. 16th), then my 26.2 on Nov. 20. Our town also has a small (but growing) Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning. Myself, husband, and a friend have organized it, and this will be its fifth year already 😉 It’s a free event, with options for 1-mile, 2-mile, or 5K…and everyone is encouraged to bring food donations for out local food pantry.
Deborah Brooks says
Wow I love that idea of a free race on Thanksgiving! Good for you for organizing it
Cassi says
I’m walking the Great Pumpkin Run on Saturday. It’s my only race this year.
Deborah Brooks says
Hope you have a fun time!
Toni says
Great list! I am running a local turkey trot, 5K, on thanksgiving, but not doing any others.
Deborah Brooks says
I love the Thanksgiving day fun runs
Autumn @AutumnPTW says
fun girls weekend with chocolate?! I like the sound of that! Hope your foot is ok!
Abby @ BackAtSquareZero says
Looks like there are tons of great races near you.
I usually do a Thanksgiving and Christmas race – both 5K
Then the Kiawah and Charleston Marathons, half distance, a bit later on.
Deborah Brooks says
I love the holiday themed races!
Tara says
I’m race free at the moment. Well, except for the Color Run this weekend. Does that count? Also, those pink (purple?) and white pants are everything. SO CUTE!
Deborah Brooks says
Yes that counts! I’ve actually never done a color run-they never seem to fit my schedule but look like a blast. Have fun!
Akaleistar says
What a great race lineup! Chocolate makes it even better 🙂
Deborah Brooks says
OH yes sure does!
Coco says
You have so many fall races! After ATM this weekend I’m done – for now at least.
Deborah Brooks says
maybe I can rope you into joining me for one of them?!
Abbey says
Aweseom!! I def have to try to get involved in more Fall races! Great post.
Deborah Brooks says
Fall is such a fun time to run here the temps are perfect
Kayla @ Blondes Have More Run says
I’ll have to do the Hershey half-marathon next year. Hershey is only about 45 minutes from me! Is there chocolate at the finish line??
Deborah Brooks says
Well I certainly hope so! 🙂
Sana says
I am doing the great pumpkin run Nov 5th!
Deborah Brooks says
That sounds fun I love the holiday races
Lauren says
Oh your race sched looks so fun! I am so glad you are listening to your body and opting for the relay–so smart! I LOVE running a turkey trot on Thanksgiving! I don’t feel so bad about splurging on that big delicious dinner later on:)
Deborah Brooks says
Yes exactly!!
Esther says
I wish it was a bit cooler here! We had a tease of summer and then BAM 90 degrees and humid again!
Love your race schedule!
I need to get to Hershey and run one of these years. I grew up not too far away from there but have never raced there.
Deborah Brooks says
We have had some up and down temps but I love this time of year.
Christina Bauer says
Id love a Hershey run! I did a chocoholic 5k back in May, which was fun.
Deborah Brooks says
running for chocolate always gets my vote!
Kristy from Southern In Law says
I bet your GoTR run will be your favourite race of the season! What a special moment!
Deborah Brooks says
I really love working with the girls and the 5k is always a higlight for me
Patty @ Reach Your Peak says
I love fall racing season! I’m excited to run NYCM and then take some time off but get back into some fall 5Ks and maybe a Thanksgiving race 🙂
Deborah Brooks says
Running NYC is so exciting look forward to reading about it