09/26/2019
by Sierra Guardiola
It’s that time of year again when the temperature begins to cool but the days still stay warm. If you’re like me, this is my favorite time to enjoy the outdoors. During these prime weeks – the last two weeks in September and first three in October – I always find myself itching to spend as much time as I can outside. I try to soak up the beautiful fall weather before it turns into a chilly winter wonderland.
In recent years, I’ve found not much can beat a nice run outside during the fall season. There’s something about the brisk air and the crunch of the leaves under your feet that make the run that much more rewarding. If you’re the active type or up for a new fall hobby, look for the many races held across the region between now and the end of October.
Annalise’s Friends 5K Run
September 28 • 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Baker Park, 265 Buffalo Street, Canandaigua
This race was created to honor the memory of Annalise Pelton who battled Neuroblastoma, a form of childhood cancer. All proceeds from the race will go toward research for neuroblastoma and other forms of childhood cancer. There will also be a chance to win raffle prizes at the run.
https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/Canandaigua/AnnalisesFriends5K
Superhero 5K Run/Walk & Fun Run/Walk
September 28 • 8 a.m. – noon
Emerson Park, 6914 East Lake Road, Auburn
Calling all superheroes! This is a day full of fun the whole family can enjoy. After the 5K, there will be plenty of superhero-themed events to be enjoyed. Suit up before you over to this second annual 5K, there will be a prize for the best superhero suit! The first 200 registered runners are guaranteed a t-shirt from the event. All proceeds will go toward the services for children and families offered by the Cayuga Centers.
https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/Auburn/CayugaCentersSuperHero5K
‘Run for the Cats’ Family Fun Run at Rosamond Gifford Zoo
September 28 • 8:30 to 10 a.m.
Rosamond Gifford Zoo, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse, NY 13204
The zoo holds its first Family Fun Run, a 2.5K (1.5 mile) walk/run through part of Burnet Park and around the zoo’s Wildlife Trail. This event is presented by Friends of the Zoo as a fundraiser to benefit the Amur Leopard Woodland project to create a new Amur leopard habitat at the zoo.
http://syracusezooevents.org/family-fun-run/
Fox Trot 5K Trail Run
September 29 • Sign-ups at 8 a.m., race begins at 9 a.m.
Cayuga Nature Center, 1420 Taughannock Blvd, Ithaca
Come for the 8th annual fun run, and bring the kids for the Kids’ Fox Chase following the 5K. Wear your best fox attire for a chance to win a special award. The Kids’ Fox Chase will begin at about 10:15 a.m. after the 5K has concluded. Kid’s eight-years-old and under will be able to do a modified race around the field. Runners are encouraged to sign up before the race to ensure participation is still available as it is capped at 115 runners.
https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/Ithaca/AnnualFoxTrot5KTrailRun
A-Paw-Colypse 5K
October 19 • Fun Run at 5 p.m., main race to follow
VFW, 29 Elisha Street, Waterloo
Get into the Halloween spirit with this spooky race. Run with zombies and witches through a Fun Run or full 5K. Test your courage by running with a flag to attract “hungrier” zombies on your run. Prizes will be given out to adults, children, and dogs for the best costumes. Runners have the choice of signing up solo or in groups of 2, 3, or 4. All proceeds benefit the Beverly Animal Shelter.
https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/Waterloo/APAWCOLYPSE5K
Wineglass Half Marathon
October 6 • 7:45 a.m.
Corning
Be more than one of 3,000 runners in the ninth annual Wineglass Half Marathon. This point-to-point course runs from Campbell to Historic Market Street in Corning. Enjoy this course, which is rated one of the top 10 Destination Races in the world, along with food, wine, and craft beverages.
https://www.wineglassmarathon.com/wineglass-half-marathon
Run with the Deer
October 5 • 8:30 a.m.
5479 NY-96A, Romulus
Join for an inaugural run at the historic old Seneca Army Depot, now home to hundreds of white deer. Runners have the choice of a 5K, 10K, or a Half Marathon. After the race, stay for a festival to celebrate the run. There will be food trucks, vendors, tours, and helicopter rides.
https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/Romulus/WhiteDeerFestivalofRaces
Greek Peak Trail Run and Uphill Climb
October 12 • 12:30 p.m.
2000 NYS Route 392, Cortland
Enjoy a run on the Greek Peak trails, but this time minus the snow. Participate in either the Trail 5K or 1K Uphill Run. After your race, take your free tasting glass and enjoy a day at the mountain celebrating the Hops and Swaps event. Your race fee allows you access to live music and beer, wine, and distillery tastings. Also enjoy mountain biking, chairlift, and mountain coaster rides.
https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/Cortland/GreekPeakRacenameTBD
Eastwood 5-Mile Run
October 20 • 10 a.m.
600 Robinson Street, Syracuse
This 5-mile road race is the only of its kind in Syracuse. Enjoy a run through Eastwood neighborhoods in the final race of Syrathon, the foot race tour of Syracuse city parks. A portion of the proceeds will go toward supporting projects that benefit the Eastwood neighborhood like the Eastwood Neighborhood Association’s Scholarship and the Health & Wellness Programs.
https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/Syracuse/Eastwood5MileRace
Halloween 13K
October 26 • Kids’ Fun Run at 9:15 a.m., Races at 9:30 a.m.
Endicott Visitors Center, 300 Lincoln Ave, Endicott
Tackle this run dressed in your best costume. Take on the challenge solo or register in teams of two so the race is made into a relay. Trick or treating will follow the race, as well as activities for the whole family. Proceeds will go toward Team HopeFull: Fighting Prader-Will Syndrome Together.
https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/Endicott/Halloween13krun
Sierra is a senior journalism major at Ithaca College. She is currently a freelancer for Hudson Valley Magazine and can also be seen in Real Simple. When she’s not writing, you can find her watching Parks and Rec or exploring the many hikes in the Ithaca region.
