10 Fall 5Ks to Have on Your Radar

Costumed runners at the Rest in Peace 5K. | Photo via Facebook

I know, I know. I’m sorry to bring up the F-A-L-L word. It’s still August. This summer has been pretty much perfect. And I totally agree with Foobooz that we shouldn’t be ringing the death knell of summer just yet by hastening the coming of cozy sweaters, falling leaves and pumpkin everything.

In fact, I actually considered not doing this post—not yet, anyway—out of respect for your summer. (You’re welcome!) But then I figured, since we’re talking about athletic endeavors here and some of you might actually like to train for these races, I needed to give you ample lead time. (You’re welcome!) Rock, meet Hard Place.

As you can see, I’m going with my gut here—also, my coworkers said I would get a pass for this one, considering the training and all—and posting 10 fun fall 5Ks to add to your calendar. Read about ’em below, start training and, by all means, enjoy the last few weeks of summer. Just hold off on those pumpkin lattes for now.

Flying Fish 5K
Date and time: September 6th at 10 a.m.
Cost: $45

Okay, okay, so you’ll barely have turned the calendar over when this race happens, but it’s so fun we couldn’t resist. This chip-timed race starts and ends at the Flying Fish Brewery in Somerdale, New Jersey. Runners will get a beer mug and, after the race, you’ll be able to sample Flying Fish’s Oktoberfish beer. At the post-race party, there will be live music, food trucks, vendors, brewery tours and—wait for it—lawn games. 

Totally Awesome 80s Run
Date and time: September 14th at 9:30 a.m.
Cost: $45

People go all out for this 80s-themed run, with costumes (think human-size cardboard Rubik’s Cube, people), sweatbands, crimped hair and more. It ends Adelphia’s restaurant in Deptford, New Jersey, where runners are treated to beer and a buffet-style brunch. Awards are given out for top finishers, best dressed and best Running Man impersonation.

Rock ‘n’ Roll 5K
Date and time: September 20th at 8 a.m.
Cost: $50 until September 14th, $60 after. (Pssst! We’ve got an exclusive discount code for this race that’s good through September 4th.)

New to the Rock ‘n’ Roll race series this year is a 5K run, the day before the half marathon. The course shoots you out along MLK Drive, with the start and finish line at Eakins Oval. Live music along the course and at the finish is a given.

Rescue Run 5K
Date and time: September 28th at 10 a.m.
Cost: $35

We couldn’t leave out our friends at the Monster Milers, who benefit from the proceeds of this second annual race. They’re the nonprofit volunteer running group that takes shelter dogs for nice long runs through town. They’re also the folks who help us with our Adoptable Running Dog of the Week feature, which you swoon over every Friday. Anyway. This Navy Yard race is all about the adoptable pups, who await runners at the finish line. Just try going home with out one.

Sloppy Cuckoo Trail Run 5K
Date and time: September 28th at 12:30 p.m.
Cost: $15 until September 1st, $20 after

You’ll hit the trails in Philly’s Pennypack Park for this pretty, wooded run. Keep your eyes peeled because there are eggs hidden along this course; find one, and you will win a sweet prize.

WXPN 5K Run
Date and time: October 5th at 8:30 a.m.
Cost: $40 through August 31st, $45 after

UPenn’s public radio station is hosting its inaugural 5K run this fall, benefitting its Musicians On Call program, which sends volunteer musicians into hospitals to play music for patients. Those same musicians will line the course on race day to provide tunes for runners. After the run, there will be a dance party at World Cafe Live.

Yuengling Oktoberfest 5K
Date and time: October 5th at 10:30 a.m.
Cost: $50

Because its annual Lager Jogger has been so popular, Pottsville-based Yuengling brewery is hosting its first ever Oktoberfest run. Participants get a race shirt, beer stein, and two free beers at the finish line, as well as an edible gingerbread finisher’s medal. Plus, you’ll get entry to the all-day Oktoberfest Festival, where there will be (what else?) more beer. 

Rest in Peace 5K
Date and time: October 11th at 5 p.m.
Cost: $35

This evening race through hilly Laurel Hill Cemetery is the perfect way to get you in the Halloween spirit. Runners are encouraged to get costumed-up and stick around for a nighttime after party, where there will be food, free beer and music. Proceeds benefit Friends of Laurel Hill Cemetery.

Runner’s World 5K
Date and time: October 18th at 8 a.m.
Cost: $35 through September 9th, $37.50 after, $40 on race day

If you’re a fan of the Emmaus-based running magazine, take a trek up to Bethlehem for a chance to run alongside its editors. Runners get a tech shirt and a finisher’s medal. Stick around for the Runner’s World Expo, where there are running seminars and meet-and-greets with notable RW names like Bart Yasso and Mark Remy.

The Lemon Run
Date and time: November 9th at 8 a.m.
Cost: $35, with additional fundraising encouraged

This 5K along Kelly Drive benefits Alex’s Lemonade Stand, the Wynnewood-based nonprofit that takes aim at childhood cancer. The family-friendly event includes a 100-meter kids’ dash. Top winners and fundraisers are honored at the end.

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