Our Favorite Fall Races in 2022

Enduring the heat of summer training can pave the way for personal records in the autumn months when temperatures are cooler. Here are 14 races across the country that you can get pumped to toe the line at this fall.

September 17-18, 2022

Salmon La Sac, WA

Trail runners, we’re starting off with you! The Teanaway Country 100-Mile Endurance Run traverses rugged backcountry, where variable weather and wildlife encounters are possible. You’ll enjoy incredible views of the Cascade Mountains and plentiful aid stations. Check out the course map here. This race has a 75-runner limit and is first-come, first-served, with a requirement to complete a 50-mile trail race by August 20 or any 100-mile trail race in order to qualify for entry. Expect to tackle an out-and-back course with loops at either end and 13 aid stations along the way. Pacers are allowed from mile 45 to the finish to keep spirits high. If you’re not quite ready to tackle 100 miles, there’s a 50K (31.06 miles) race, too. Swing by Fleet Feet Seattle to stock up on necessities before race day.

October 8, 2022

Cincinnati, OH

Ladies, gather your best running girlfriends for this women’s half marathon and 4-miler in Cincinnati, Ohio, known as The Queen City. Race weekend kicks off Friday, October 7, with a health and fitness expo, where you’ll pick up your race bib and swag bag (including a long-sleeve, technical ASICS shirt!).

Both the half and 4-miler take place on Saturday, October 8, and participant amenities include access to the official Queen Bee Half Marathon pacers to buzz you right to the finish where you’ll pick up your medal. We love that the Queen Bee is sustainably minded, with the goal to reduce their carbon footprint and be a responsible steward of their communities. Pig Works, the organization putting on the race, uses recycling containers at all of their events and composts materials at the start and finish lines. They also donate or recycle all items left at the start and finish areas. That means you can ditch your throwaway clothes at the start line, knowing they’ll find a good home. Learn more about Pig Works’ sustainability initiatives here.

This event also supports a variety of charities across the Greater Cincinnati region, including Girls on the Run and Dress for Success.

October 9, 2022

Syracuse, NY

New York state’s “Run for All, and All for ONE NY” race, the One NY Half Marathon is back for the second year, and is a must-do event sponsored by Fleet Feet Syracuse. With a start and finish line at the Lakeview Amphitheater, you’ll be treated to a fast and mostly flat course on the trails along the shores of Onondaga Lake (who doesn’t love a scenic race?).

This event also hosts a 5K on the Onondaga Lake trail system that starts and finishes at the amphitheater. Athletes looking to PR have a strong chance on either of these fast courses. If you run for bling, the 2022 medal weighs in ¾ of a pound and is 5 inches tall—nearly the length of a dollar bill! Not a local? There’s a virtual option, letting you run right where you are and still earn that big medal.

October 9, 2022

Highlandville, MO

Presented by Fleet Feet Springfield with partners HOKA and Public House Brewing Company, TrailFest is taking place at the beautiful Two Rivers Bike Park. Sign up for the family-friendly 5K, take on the 10K course, go the distance with the half marathon or put yourself to the ultimate test with the 6-hour challenge on the 10K course. This technical course features rocky, rooty, and hilly single track terrain for all the fun you can have when running on dirt.

All registrants that sign up by September 18 get a sweet hoodie, and 6-hour participants get additional exclusive swag. Afterwards, runners can head to the Public House Brewing Company post-race party for walking tacos, tacos made in a portable chip bag for easy transportation, and two free beverages (as long as you’re 21 or older). Additional meal tickets can be purchased for your cheer squad, too!

October 30, 2022

Stuart, FL

Run for your life at this Halloween 13.1 and three-person relay (or run virtually, wherever you are!). Presented by the local Treasure Coast Running Club, this annual race features a scenic course with stunning views of this iconic village by the sea. Packet pickup is Saturday, October 29 at Fleet Feet Stuart, giving you the perfect chance to pick up some last-minute fuel and hydration before race day.

October 16, 2022

Acampo, CA

Fleet Feet SMB, m2 Winery, and LULAC join forces to host this Dia de los Muertos 5K & 10K, celebrating the end of Hispanic Heritage Month. The flat and fast, fully paved course zips past the grape vines of Lodi, helping you get to the finish line and afterparty celebration in no time. Athletes can enjoy a wine tasting, limited releases, catered brunch, music and race expo at the m2 Winery venue. Don’t forget to check out the DIA DE LOS MUERTOS selfie photo zone, and be sure to tag @fleetfeetsmb on social media for a chance to win a $25 gift card to Fleet Feet SMB.

November 6, 2022

Fresno, CA

Take your pick of a 5K, 10K, half marathon, or full marathon at Two Cities Marathon. Run, stay, and play in Fresno or Clovis, just 60 miles from Yosemite National Park and close to Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks. This race offers pacers for the half and full, plus a Boston Challenge, Final Mile Competition, and an $8,000 purse for the marathon winner!

Registered participants receive a hooded sweatshirt, perfect to cozy up in for the rest of the season. Need a Boston qualifier? Look no further! If you run Two Cities and qualify for the Boston Marathon, you’ll receive a special shirt, too. Don’t forget to check out Fleet Feet Fresno when you’re in town.

November 13, 2022

Wilmington, NC

All aboard the Battleship North Carolina! Toeing the line at this half, 10K or 5K doesn’t just end at miles of miles—you’ll also get a custom shirt, finisher medal, access to a fun finish line party, and a trip back in time with entry to the Battleship North Carolina, an authentically restored World War II battleship. This race offers an elite division, and awards are given for overall, masters overall, and age groups. All athletes will receive a Battleship medal, and waiting for you at the finish line are beer and biscuits—the perfect way to refuel!

November 24, 2022

Webster, NY

Thanksgiving Day races are a classic, and a tradition for many families. Start your Turkey Day off with 2.5 or 4.4 miles at the Webster Turkey Trot. What began in 1972 as a practice run for the local cross country team has evolved into a family-friendly event run by Yellowjacket Racing. Awards are given for the 4.4 mile race for overall male, overall female, and the top three men and women in their respective age groups.

Participants get their choice of a hoodie, crewneck sweatshirt, or short-sleeve tee, plus a medal and a digital finisher certificate. Packet pickup is at Fleet Feet Rochester, making it easy to stock up on essentials or start holiday gift shopping a little early. This event also offers a virtual option, making it ideal for those families that would like to roll out of a bed a little later and enjoy a walk through their neighborhood instead.

November 24, 2022

Burbank, CA

More than 3,500 Burbank YMCA members and local residents show up on Thanksgiving morning to share miles and smiles at the annual Burbank YMCA Turkey Trot 5K and 10K, plus a fun run for kids. Race shirts come with registration, and every finisher gets a medal. This year’s event includes a social media competition with the chance to earn gift cards or a 6-month family membership to the Burbank YMCA. A portion of this year’s proceeds supports the Y’s financial assistance program, helping make Y programs and services available to everyone.

November 24, 2022

Fairfield, CA

Fleet Feet Vacaville’s Solano Turkey Trot is a 5K, 10K, and kids’ fun run event the whole family can enjoy before digging into Thanksgiving dinner. This event is a charity race in Solano County, which benefits 501(c)(3) partner organizations serving high risk children, families, and seniors. The Turkey Costume Contest is back in 2022, with prizes for best dressed male and female (must be 18 and over), best dressed boy and girl (under 18), and best dressed family. New in 2022 are the Team Turkey Trot Challenge and a prize purse for both the top three male and female finishers in the 5K and 10K.

November 26, 2022

Augusta, SC

November is the driest month of the year in South Carolina, with average temps between 55 and 69 degrees. Sounds like great racing weather! Offering “two states, two times the fun,” the Palmetto Peach Half and 10K courses start in South Carolina (The Palmetto State), cross the border into Georgia (The Peach State), and scamper back into South Carolina for some southern charm and Charleston-inspired architecture. The 5K stays put in South Carolina, but all finishers slide into home base at SRP Park before collecting race bling. This event offers age group awards for all distances. Not a local? Check out the virtual options in the half, 10K and 5K.

December 10, 2022

Des Moines, IA

Get in the holiday spirit at the third-annual Santa Run 5K, hosted by Fleet Feet Des Moines. All registrants will receive a free Santa suit to run in, plus a $10 gift certificate to use at Fleet Feet Des Moines. Plus, it’s easy to do some good for the community with your race registration. Fifteen dollars from each entry goes towards a select charity. This year’s partners include Team Run Free, Girls on the Run, Children and Families of Iowa, and Living History Farms.