Fun Races To Watch And Run This Fall
Whether you prefer to enjoy races as a participant or onlooker, make sure to check out our list of fall events.
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Watch
TCS New York City Marathon
The largest city in the U.S. is also home to one of the most storied marathons. On Saturday, Nov. 4, some of the best distance runners in the world will take to the streets to battle it out for 26.2 miles.
Look for: Shalane Flanagan, who made headlines with her victory last year. She’ll be competing against the reigning Boston Marathon champion, Des Linden and three-time NYC Marathon champion Mary Keitany. On the men’s side, Olympian Bernard Lagat will make his marathon debut amidst a field of strong contenders like Lelisa Desisa and Shadrack Biwott.
Related: 2018 NYC Marathon Pro Women’s Fields Announced
NCAA Cross Country Championships
College runners from every school in the country are looking toward one ultimate goal this fall: the national championships. The NCAA DI meet will be held on Saturday, Nov. 17, in Madison, Wis. If last week’s Nuttycombe Invitational on the national course was any indication, the meet is going to highly favor runners in the Midwest and Western divisions. They might not be used to an uphill finish, but they’ll be familiar with the rolling hills and strong winds they’ll battle come November.
Look for: The reigning NCAA DI champion, Ednah Kurgat, is looking strong in the early season. But she didn’t outrun her New Mexico teammate Weini Kelati or University of Wisconsin’s Alicia Monson at Nuttycombe. Kurgat is looking to repeat her 2017 victory, no doubt, but she’ll also have to answer to Boise State’s Allie Ostrander and University of Colorado’s Dani Jones to do so.
Related: NCAA Cross-Country Breakdown: 2018’s Strongest Teams
Run
Midwest
CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K, Nov. 3
Perhaps I’m biased because I’m running this year’s Monumental Half Marathon, but the Monumental really is a top-notch event. And 15,000 people seem to agree with me on that. Expect a flat course, good competition and (hopefully) decent weather.
Southwest
California International Marathon and 5K, Dec. 2
There are few places I’d want to run a marathon in the dead of winter, but Sacramento, Calif. is one of them. This net-downhill course is known as a good Boston qualifier, and if the marathon is a little out of your reach, the Capitol 5K option is presented by race organizers the day before.
South
Rock ‘n’ Roll Savannah Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K, Nov. 3–4
No matter what distance you opt for, this event promises views of iconic downtown squares, picturesque houses and—of course—shady oak trees. If you prefer to tag-team it, there’s also a two-person half-marathon relay this year.
Northeast
NYCRuns Brooklyn Marathon and Half Marathon, Oct. 20
Did you miss the cutoff for the New York City Marathon? You can still run through the Big Apple this fall. For the first time, these races will be run on the streets of Brooklyn. Runners will navigate through the neighborhoods before looping around Prospect Park to finish.
At the time of publication, race registration for the four “Run” events is open.
Editor’s Note: This article initially reported the CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K race date as November 4. The race will actually take place on Saturday, November 3.
Related:
How The Pros Pick And Prepare For Fall Marathons