Sign Up For One of These 12 Local Fall Road Races

Race For The Cure photo by Elvert Barnes via Flickr/Creative Commons

Fall has officially arrived in Boston, which means it’s finally cool enough to dust off your running shoes and hit the road, sans sunburn. Luckily, there’s no shortage of charity walks, 5Ks, and trail runs going on this fall—so check out our list, register, and get ready to pound some pavement.

1. The Mystery and Glory of the Autumn

A trail walk and a science class all in one, this tour of Norris Reservation teaches walkers about the evolving seasons, including why leaves change color and how the forest is affected.

Oct. 1, 11 a.m., $15, Norris Reservation, Norwell, thetrustees.org.

2. Boston Color Run Night

Because glowing, neon powder looks way cooler in the dark. This Color Run, dubbed “The Happiest 5K on the Planet,” aims to bring the community together while having some fun. Temporary tattoos and black-light headlamp included.

Oct. 2, 8:15 p.m., $45-49.50, Gillette Stadium, One Patriot Place, Foxboro, thecolorrun.com.

3. Meow Mile Road Rally

Charles River Alley Cats and The Gifford Cat Shelter are partnering up to combat feline overpopulation in Boston. Your leashed pet can tag along for an extra $5.

Oct. 11,  10 a.m., $22-30, 337 Highland Ave., Somerville, giffordcatshelter.org.

4. The Tufts Health Plan 10K for Women

This race is a Columbus Day tradition that attracts more than 7,000 women every year. The only qualifier is a desire to promote women’s health and fitness.

Oct. 12, noon, $45-60, Boston Common Parade Grounds, tuftshealthplan.com.

5. Fall Foliage Foray

On this relaxed nature walk, participants will learn all about fall’s most vibrant vegetation while strolling through Hyde Park. Jehane Samaha of the Arnold Arboretum leads the way.

Oct. 17, 1:30 p.m., $10, The Neponset Greenway, Hyde Park, thetrustees.org.

6. Witch City 5K

Just can’t wait to wear that Halloween costume? Don your favorite witch hat, super hero cape, or cat ears at one of Salem’s many spook-themed family runs, hosted by the YMCA.

Oct. 17, 9 a.m.,$24-28, Salem Willows Park, 167 Fort Ave., Salem, northshoreYMCA.org. 

7. Ravenswood Trail Race

One of Boston’s most scenic trail races, Ravenswood is slightly more than four miles of boardwalks, forests, carriage roads, and natural vistas. Be sure to register before slots fill up.

Oct. 18, 9 a.m., $12, Ravenswood Park, Gloucester, facebook.com.

8. The Great Pumpkin Dash

Complete with a Pumpkin Harvest Festival and food market, this produce-filled 5K practically screams “fall.”

Oct. 18, 9 a.m., $30,  Kelly’s Roast Beef, 410 Revere Beach Blvd., Revere, active.com. 

9. Pam’s Run

This is the third annual 5K/10K hosted by Neighbor Brigade, a non-profit that mobilizes volunteers in times of crisis. The run’s namesake, Pam Manikas Washek, founded the organization with the goal to always “pay it forward.”

Oct. 18, 8:15 a.m., $30-35, Claypit Hill School, 40 Adams Lane, Wayland, bostoncharityevents.org.

10. Panic in the Dark

Dubbed “The Original Nightmare Obstacle Run,” this headlamp-lit course motivates runners to pick up the pace with lurking zombies that follow closely behind. Note: This is not for the faint of heart.

Oct. 24, 5:30 p.m., $44, Lowell Memorial Auditorium, 50 E. Merrimack St., Lowell, panicinthedark.com.

11. WGBH 5K Run for Public Media

Come out and support Boston’s most iconic public TV and radio shows—from The World to Frontline to Arthur—at WGBH’s inaugural 5K race.

Nov. 15, 11 a.m., $25, DCR Artesani Park, 1234 Soldiers Field Rd., Brighton, wgbh.org.

12. Freedom Trail Run

The Freedom Trail Run takes place every weekend this fall for active tourists and local history buffs. The tour kicks off on the Boston Common and ends in Charlestown.

Every Friday, 2:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 8:30 a.m., $40, The Boston Common, freedomtrailrun.com.

For a full list of fall runs in the Greater Boston Area, check out runningintheusa.com.