Roundup: October Road Races

Running image via shutterstock

As the weather starts to cool down, road races around Boston are starting to heat up. From the B.A.A.’s Half-Marathon, to Making Strides Against Breast Cancer to the Superhero 5K, there’s a cause and a costume for everybody.  Check out our list of upcoming races in and around the city to keep your running muscles warm and your spirits bright this fall.

Freedom Trail Run

Every weekend until Thanksgiving, combine your love of running with your love of Boston’s rich history by participating in the Freedom Trail Runs. It’s a two hour 5k run but includes 16 stops along the way to enjoy historical landmarks around the city. It’s a perfect way to enjoy a brisk fall day and get some exercise without committing to a full-on race.

Every weekend until 11/17. Run begins at 2 p.m. on Fridays and 8:30 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays at the Boston Common near Tremont Street, Boston. Registration is $40 and available online. 

Cosmic Run Boston

This nocturnal 5k is more like a dance party than a run. Show up after dark and run the course through state-of-the-art light technology and fluorescent glow-in-the-dark colors, to the pounding beat of dance music. Proceeds go to Boston Children’s Hospital and Room to Grow. Get a group together and dance your way across the finish line!

10/19. Race begins at 8 p.m. at 1958 Broadway, Raynham Park, Raynham. Registration and more information is available online. 

Oaktoberfest 5k

Celebrate health and fitness with the kids this month by running or walking a scenic Brighton 5k with them. Along with a health and wellness fair, locally provided food, and live music from Boston bands, this race makes exercising fun for the kids. Registration closes on October 19th.

10/20. Race begins at 10 a.m. at the Oak Square YMCA at 615 Washingston Street, Brighton. Registration available online.

Run Wild at Stone Zoo

This is your chance to run with the wild crowd. Head out to Stoneham at the end of the month for a 5k that starts and ends in the Stone Zoo. See the animals, race your heart out, and enjoy a 21+ party inside the zoo afterward featuring beer courtesy of Sam Adams, Blue Hills Brewery and more.

10/26. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. Race begins at 8:30 a.m. More information and registration is available online. 

Mayor’s Cup Cross Country Race

Also put on by the Boston Athletic Association, the Mayor’s Cup has become one of the most prestigious races on the East Coast. This year’s event will include races and activities for all ages. The ultimate event, the Franklin Park 5k, will take place at noon and is sure to attract racers from all over the country.

10/27. Kid’s races begin at 10 a.m., the Women’s 5k Championship begins at 10:50 a.m., the Men’s 5k Championship begins at 11:15 a.m. and the Franklin Park 5k begins at noon. More information is available online. 

Superhero 5K 

If prestigious and competitive 5k races aren’t your style, take the kids’ superhero Halloween costumes for a test drive in Cambridge instead. The only requirement for this 5k is that you come as your favorite hero. The event sold out last year so be sure to sign up early!

10/27. Race begins at 9 a.m. at Central Square, Cambridge. Registration is available online.