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7 Races With Excellent Fall Foliage To Check Out This Autumn

Destination race blogger T-Rex Runner explains which races with impressive fall foliage you should check out this year.

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Photo courtesy of Steamtown Marathon

After sweating through those tough training sessions all summer long, there’s nothing quite like that first crisp morning of fall. There’s no better time of year to enjoy the hard work you put in all summer. Between the weather and the beautiful fall foliage, there’s nothing we’d rather do than run. Embrace the season with this list of fun fall foliage races! The races–and the scenery–will take your breath away!

Fall Foliage Race 5K and 10K

October 14, 2017 in Waynesboro, Va.

With a name like The Fall Foliage Race, we couldn’t leave this one off the list! Take in the quaint neighborhoods of Waynesboro, Virginia during the 5K and 10K run/walk events. There’s also a kid’s race if you want to make it a family affair!

Steamtown Marathon

October 8, 2017 in Scranton, Pa.

The Steamtown Marathon has a reputation as one of America’s favorite marathons–and with good reason! The point-to-point course is known as one of the fastest in the country, the weather is usually perfect and the scenery is stunning. The events of the weekend feature only a marathon and a kids’ race–sorry, no half marathon here!

New Hampshire Marathon, Half Marathon And 10K

September 30, 2017 in Bristol, N.H.

This small town gem is a beautiful (and challenging) way to start your fall racing season! The course features rolling hills that surround a beautiful lake and lead you past truly stunning scenery. Want to make it a really big racing weekend? Run the Maine Marathon or Half Marathon in nearby Portland, Maine the following day!

Spinx Run Fest

October 28, 2017 in Greenville, S.C.

The Spinx Run Fest in beautiful Greenville, S.C. has something for everyone: the event features a marathon, half marathon, marathon relay, 10K, 5K and the 1-mile Spunky’s Kids Run! Presented by the Greenville Track Club, the races run partially along the city’s famous Swamp Rabbit Trail–a paved, tree-lined multi-use path–and finish in a local baseball stadium. Enjoy incredible views of the fall foliage as you run along the Swamp Rabbit Trail!

Photo courtesy of Rock ‘n’ Roll Denver

Rock ‘n’ Roll Denver Race Weekend

October 14-15, 2017 in Denver, Colo.

Fall foliage races aren’t just for the eastern United States! Rock ‘n’ Roll Denver offers runners the opportunity to explore life in the “Mile High City” during one of the most beautiful times of the year. The race weekend features half marathon, 10K and 5K options. If you’re not used to it, you might notice the altitude (Denver sits at about 5,280 feet above sea level), but the courses themselves are mostly flat. What a beautiful way to explore one of America’s fastest growing cities!

Prairie Fire Marathon And Half Marathon

October 8, 2017 in Wichita, Kan.

If Wichita, Kan. doesn’t seem like your first choice for a fall destination race, think again! The Prairie Fire Marathon and Half Marathon are well-organized, picturesque, well supported and fast. Running through many of Wichita’s most stunning neighborhoods, you’ll never feel alone on the course. Keep your eye out for tons of festive Halloween decorations and, of course, the changing leaves! The race weekend offers a marathon, half marathon, 5K, fun run and a youth race.

Photo courtesy of Columbia Gorge Marathon

Columbia Gorge Marathon And Half Marathon

October 22, 2017 in Hood River, Ore.

The Columbia Gorge Marathon and Half Marathon bills itself as the most scenic marathon in the country–and it is easy to see why! Participants universally praise the spectacular sights along the course as the highlight of the event. The course features rolling hills that will challenge your legs as the scenery soothes your mind. Don’t miss this one for a perfect destination opportunity in the Pacific Northwest!

Related:

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