23 Races You’ll Want to Run in Sacramento This Fall
Fall is a favorite season in Sacramento for pumpkin picking, visiting nearby Apple Hill Farms, savoring the region’s sweet treats, cozy seasonal decor and our community’s perfect autumn weather. That perfect weather happens to mean fall is the best season for runs, walks and races of all kinds — be they costumed, charitable or 100 miles long.
To help you get outside and race this season, we rounded up the season’s best 5Ks, 10Ks, half marathons, endurance challenges and more. Find the ones for you, your family and even your dog so you can all opt outside and enjoy the fall!
Jump ahead:
September | October | November
September
Photo courtesy of Challenge Failure
Buffalo Stampede | Sacramento
Saturday, September 9 at 7:30 a.m.
This year marks the 43rd annual running of the Buffalo Stampede in Sacramento. This run/walk kicked off the road racing tradition in the city and has become one of the community’s favorites. In 2017, they’re celebrating with music, running-related raffle prizes, finisher awards, cash awards for the top finishers and age group awards. Register online for a discount!
Challenge Failure | Sacramento
Saturday, September 9 at 9 a.m.
With a route that runs through William Land Park, this charitable race is open to strollers, wheelchairs and even well-behaved dogs on short leashes. All proceeds benefit Challenge Failure, a nonprofit committed to preventing Heart Failure and improving the lives of those with Heart Failure. You can register and donate online.
Run to Remember 5K | Sacramento
Sunday, September 10 at 9:11 a.m.
The Run to Remember 5K attracts around 1,500 participants each year in addition to family and friends cheering from the sidewalk. Complete with a tribute remembrance event following the run, this will be the place to be on September 10.
Let’s ROC! Run for Ovarian Cancer | Sacramento
Sunday, September 17 at 8 a.m.
Beginning near the Shriner’s Children Hospital, this race ends with a post-race party complete with a pancake breakfast, booths from local businesses and children’s bounce houses. Runners will receive their breakfast ticket as they cross the finish line, but friends and family can buy tickets without running for just $5 on race day.
October
Photo courtesy of Granite Head Trails and Ales
Urban Cow | Sacramento
Sunday, October 1 at 7:30 a.m.
For the 13th year, this half marathon, two-person relay and 5k race are taking over William Land Park. Benefitting local, non-profit youth running programs and high school cross-country teams, it’s the perfect way to join the running community while supporting the same community! Register yourself or your team online.
Super Sprint Triathlon + Golden State Triathlon | Sacramento
Sunday, October 8 at 8 a.m.
The Golden State Triathlon is California’s only criterium-style sprint triathlon with a draft legal three-loop bike course and they have a post-race party with a beer garden! The sprint triathlon kicks off at 8 a.m., but Golden State Triathlon participants don’t begin until 9 a.m. Find more information about the race, the course and registration on the website.
Step up for Down Syndrome Walk | Sacramento
Sunday, October 8 at 10 a.m.
The Down Syndrome Information Alliance is uniting to fundraise and increase awareness of families, individuals and children with down syndrome in our communities. Join the cause and register or donate online!
Natomas 5K Run for their Future | Sacramento
Saturday, October 14 at 8:30 a.m.
Proceeds from this fun 5K run/walk will be used by the Natomas Schools Foundation as well as local schools to support art, academic and athletic programs for students living within Natomas Unified School District boundaries. You can volunteer on race day or register for the run online!
Granite Head Trails and Ales | Granite Bay
Sunday, October 15 at 7:30 a.m.
This exciting, beer-themed race is anticipated every year and often sells out before race day (so get your online registration done today!). The short course covers 6.6 miles and the long course covers 11.2, but both end with a stainless steel finishers’ pint cup, a commemorative race t-shirt, complimentary post-race fajitas and a Ruhstaller beer for participants over 21 years of age!
12th Annual Eppie’s Kids Duathlon | Sacramento
Sunday, October 17 at 8 a.m.
This race, presented by Eppie’s Wellness Foundation, is taking over Discovery Park on October 17. The end goal is helping them our community’s kids improve their fitness and get everyone excited for Eppie’s Great Race, a triathlon held in July. Register online or sign-up to volunteer!
Walk4Literacy | Sacramento
Saturday, October 21 at 9 a.m.
Walk4Literacy strives to improve public awareness in regards to the country’s literacy crisis — especially right here in Sacramento. From the 2015 event, $15,000 was granted to local programs positively impacting children’s literacy in our community. With your participation, you can help them reach their goal to help every child reach grade-level reading. Register online today.
Aggieathlon | Davis
Sunday, October 22 at 7:30 a.m.
This triathlon is hosted by the UC Davis Triathlon Team. The on-campus classic race will feature a 400-meter pool swim, a fast and flat bike course, and a spectator-friendly run course around the Aggie Football Stadium. Get all the course details on the website where you can also register!
Folsom Blues Half Marathon | Folsom
Sunday, October 22 at 7:30 a.m.
This year’s 5th Annual Folsom Blues Breakout is all about Johnny Cash. Rockabilly tunes will keep you moving as you travel the 13.1-mile course around scenic Lake Natoma. Or, opt for the quick and easy 5K and enter your children in the free Kids 1K Breakaway! The festival ends in Folsom’s Historic District with a Johnny Cash tribute band and free beer for the adults.
Hope for Hearing Halloween Run | Sacramento
Saturday, October 28 at 8:00 a.m.
This charitable 5K timed run and 1K fun run will bring runners, their costumes and their fun-loving spirit to William Land Park this Halloween weekend. Get your costumes ready and register online!
Caring For Kids Run | Elk Grove
Saturday, October 28 at 8:30 a.m.
The Caring for Kids Run is a 5K/10K race event that includes a Kids Fun Run. Organized by xHope, Inc., the proceeds help to provide resources, programs and support both locally and abroad for at-risk youth.
November
Photo courtesy of Sacramento Running Association
Rio Del Lago 100 Mile Endurance Run | Folsom
Saturday, November 4 at 4:30 a.m.
This Folsom epic is perfect for endurance runners looking for a challenge. For the 17th year, they’re promising an unforgettable experience from start to finish through the beautiful Sierra Foothills. Keep in mind all runners must check in on Friday, November 3, 2017 at Fleet Feet Folsom. There will be a course briefing at 4:30 A.M. on Saturday morning before the race starts.
Jessup Veterans Honor Run | Rocklin
Saturday, November 4th at 8:30 a.m.
William Jessup University’s first inaugural run in January of 2016 welcomed over 150 participants to support the Victor Dew Veterans Endowment Fund. Their second event in November broke record numbers with over 300 runners and volunteers and this year promises even more! Learn more about the scholarship fund and find specific 5K info online.
Run for a Safe Haven | Sacramento
Saturday, November 4 at 9 a.m.
My Sister’s House Run for a Safe Haven has been a primary fundraiser for My Sister’s House for over a decade. In 2016, 5K participants in attendance raised over $60,000 for My Sister’s House services and programs and this year the race celebrates its 14th anniversary. Join the cause and register online.
Run the Parkway | Sacramento
Sunday, November 5 at 7 a.m.
The Sacramento Running Association and the American River Parkway Foundation are partnering this year on the second annual Run the Parkway, the official training run of the California International Marathon. Register today to benefit ARPF which works to support the preservation and enjoyment of the Parkway. There is a 20-mile, a half marathon, and an untimed fun run/nature walk.
43rd Annual Almond Bowl | Chico
Sunday, November 5 at 8 a.m.
This year, The Chico Running Club has added a half-marathon relay to the existing 5K and half-marathon at the Almond Bowl. Register online and start training for the 43rd annual race!
38th Annual Apple Hill Run | Placerville
Sunday, November 5 at 8 a.m.
Whether you run the nine-mile, the three-mile or participate in the kids half-mile and quarter-mile fun run, you’re in for a treat at the 38th Annual Apple Hill Run. Register online, traverse through Lava Cap Winery in Placerville and help support the kids of Camino Union School District.
Clarksburg Country Run | Clarksburg
Sunday, November 12 at 8 a.m.
For the 52nd year, the Clarksburg Country Run is offering a 5K, 10K, 20-mile and a half marathon. Whichever one you choose, you can enjoy a hot meal after the race and all proceeds go to Clarksburg youth sports, Clarksburg Fire Department, Clarksburg schools, clubs and philanthropic programs. Register online.
Run To Feed The Hungry | Sacramento
Thursday, November 23 at 8:15 a.m.
This fun Thanksgiving Day 5K/10K is celebrating its 24th anniversary in 2017. Register the whole family for a day of neighborhood fun to raise awareness about food insecurity in our community.
Which races are you running?
Let us know which Sacramento area races you look forward to each year. If we missed your favorite, share it in the comments below!
Category Local Events
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