Fall is the season for giving, getting into a new exercise regimen, and spending time with old and new friends. 5Ks and fun runs are the perfect way to experience fall to the fullest. Whether you’re looking for charitable, fun 5Ks or prepping for the 45th Dallas Marathon on Dec. 11, give these fall races a go.
Fun awaits both kids and adults at this run—bounce houses, live music, and prizes are all on the roster. This event is organized by Heroes for Children, which provides social and financial assistance to families with a child who’s battling cancer.
When: 6:30 a.m. Sept. 24
Where: The Plaza at Galatyn Park (Richardson)
Plano Balloon Festival Half Marathon, Relay, 5K and 1K
This festival offers four opportunities to soar down the course while hot air balloons adorn the sky above you. Want to add some distance but not quite ready to take on the half? This year’s addition of the relay allows you and one other person to split the half-marathon course. All participants receive admission to the balloon festival, which boasts a full weekend of live music; sky diving performances; and the 45 colorful, high-flying stars of the show—both during the day and at night for the Balloon Glow.
When: 7:30 a.m. Sept. 24 (1K, 5K), 7 a.m. Sept. 25 (half-marathon, relay)
Where: Oak Point Park (Plano)
This nighttime, all-inclusive 5K has the best swagger you’ll find at a Dallas-Fort Worth race. Included in your race-day packet is admission to the post-run party and a voucher for $19 toward a Mavs regular-season ticket. Bring cash for the food trucks that will be at AT&T Plaza or just stick to the free beer and snacks. Proceeds go to the Mavs Foundation, which is currently expanding its grant-making efforts for area citizens and organizations. Way to be a team player.
When: 5:30 p.m. Oct. 6
Where: American Airlines Center
The Showdown Half Marathon and 5K
The spirited Texas-OU football game lays the foundation for this race. Pick your team during registration, and run decked out in your school colors. While adults will have two distances to choose from, children can participate in the first race of the day—a 100-yard dash at 7 a.m. When you have completed your scenic trek through the city, check out race organizer’s suggestions for the best places in Fairview to watch the game, paired with great food and brews.
When: 7 a.m. Oct. 8
Where: Fairview
A 1-mile fun run, 5K run/walk, and 10K run are on the race-day roster. Teams and school groups that compete have cash prizes of up to $500 on the line. While the races don’t start until 8 a.m., we recommend getting there at 6:45 a.m. for the pancake-and-bacon breakfast and pumpkin decorating at 7 a.m.
When: 8 a.m. Oct. 8
Where: Joe Pool Lake (Grand Prairie)
Haunt Jaunt Night 5K & Fun Run
Live your own horror movie as you run past graveyards teeming with zombies, witches, and pumpkin-headed monsters on your tail. The 5K course includes the trails of the nature preserve, and runners of either distance will get to experience the beauty of Oak Point Park. With both races, the course will get dark, so feel free to bring a flashlight or head lamp … or not. We appreciate the fear factor in either choice.
When: 5:15 p.m. Oct. 15
Where: Oak Point Park (Plano)
Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure
This is one race that promises to be fun—and muddy—from start to finish. The obstacles on the course—which include triple mud pits, a Mt. Muck-imanjaro, and the Shake & Quake, to name a few—are designed to get you as mucky as possible. Participants get a free soda or beer at the following MuckFestival. Invite the whole family; kids can play in the Lil Muckers area, and spectators can watch you conquer the course.
When: 9 a.m. Oct. 29
Where: Southfork Ranch
I Am Second 5K | 10K | Fun Run
This race is sure to be the only one where it’s okay to come in “second.” The widely popular I Am Second movement celebrates finding your shortcomings, overcoming obstacles, and living with renewed purpose and hope. One of three stops this year, the Dallas stop is sure to be a race you do not want to miss.
When: 8 a.m. Nov. 5
Where: Oak Point Park and Amphitheater (Plano)
Dance down the course amidst multiple mini-concerts from some of the best electronic acts today. The race ends in an explosive after-party featuring special guest celebrity deejays. Proceeds benefit Stand Up To Cancer, an initiative looking to accelerate cancer research. More than 1 million people have joined the Night Nation, so join the new sensation that’s sweeping the country.
When: 4 p.m. Nov. 5
Where: Globe Life Park (Arlington)
Whether you’re an early rising walker or looking to qualify for the Boston Marathon, the Fort Worth Marathon has a race for everyone. If you want to log more or less than the typical 26.2, 20-mile and half-marathon courses will also be available. Proceeds benefit city programs that promote exercise and health, so you can feel extra good about your choices.
When: 6 a.m. Nov. 13
Where: Panther Island Pavilion (Fort Worth)
It’s fall, and you should give yourself a little TLC with a PSL—especially post-race. The season’s most savory drink is the name of the game, and your race packet includes an oversized mug to satisfy your pumpkin spice cravings all year long. New this year, runners can “Get Spiced” by stopping at an optional color powder station before reaching the sweet afterparty. Go ahead and soak it all in.
When: 8 a.m. Nov. 19
Where: Panther Island Pavilion (Fort Worth)
Make room for your feast by participating in the Turkey Trot. The 5K Run/Walk is a popular option for family and friends of all ages, and more ambitious runners can traverse 8 miles of some of the best views of Dallas. For the first time, runners will be able to assemble into groups of four to six to claim a prize. Give thanks.
When: 9 a.m. Nov. 24
Where: Dallas City Hall
