10 Fall Races and Walks to Sign Up For in Michigan

| 3 min read

Fall is arguably the best season for running, walking and getting outside in general. The temperature has cooled off so you don’t need to worry about the heat and the humidity, your schedule is probably a lot less-packed than it is during the summer and the scenery is so gorgeous you might even forget you’re exercising at all.
Autumn is also when lots of fun, themed runs pop up all around the state. Grab your running shoes and get laced up for these upcoming Michigan races:
  • Golden Harvest Run/Walk, Saturday, Sept. 21 – Plymouth, MI: Fresh cider at the finish line? It doesn’t get much more fall than that. Guests and runners are also encouraged to wear fall-themed costumes at this event, which takes place at the Plymouth Apple Orchard & Cider Mill.
  • Dream Big Fun Run, Thursday, Sept. 26 – Holland, MI: Run around Holland’s Windmill Island with paralympic track and field international medalist, Patrick “Blake” Leeper.
  • Go with the Glo 5K Walk/Run, Saturday, Oct. 5 – Mackinaw City, MI: This after hours event starts at 9 p.m. and participants are encouraged to wear their best glow gear. An “After-Glo Party” in downtown Mackinac City will keep those running endorphins revved.
  • The Great Pumpkin Dash, Sunday, Oct. 13 – Traverse City, MI: There’s a catch to this fun, family-friendly event – everybody big and small has to carry a pumpkin while they run! Obstacles and hills abound on this course, which lets you run through the Mt. Holiday Ski Area.
  • Clio Can-Do Color 5K Run/Walk, Saturday, Oct. 19 – Clio, MI: Run down the fairways of the Clio Country Club during this colorful race. Shirts, medals, healthy food, music and events are planned after the race and families are encouraged to participate.
  • Making Strides, Saturday, Oct. 19 – Grand Rapids, MI: This non-competitive walk is all about raising awareness and money for breast cancer research, information and support. The Making Strides walk celebrates survivors and passed loved ones, so put on your pink and pound the pavement for three to five miles.
  • Halloween Run, Sunday, Oct. 27 – Midland, MI: This race will run along the Pere Marquette Rail-Trail starting behind the Midland County Courthouse. Costumes welcome!
  • Hot Cider Hustle, Sunday, Nov. 3 – Harrison Township, MI: With apple cider and caramel apples waiting at the finish line, who wouldn’t hustle to get there? The event’s charity is Cass Community Social Services, so you’re running for a good cause and everyone gets a free finisher mug at the end to fill with cider.
  • Back Roads Half Marathon & 10K/5K, Sunday, Nov. 10 – Clarkston, MI: Run through Independence Oaks County Park, a naturally-maintained 1,276-acre oasis. Enjoy a post-race tent filled with music, food and cold beverages.
  • Silver Bells In The City 5K, Saturday, Nov. 23 – Lansing, MI: The annual Silver Bells run/walk is the perfect race for those who are always in the holiday spirit. Come in your best seasonal costume for the chance to win a prize. Registration included a long sleeve shirt and the top three finishers in each age group will win a medal.
Like this post? Check these out:
Photo credit: matimix

A Healthier Michigan is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, a nonprofit, independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.
No Personal Healthcare Advice or Other Advice
This Web site provides general educational information on health-related issues and provides access to health-related resources for the convenience of our users. This site and its health-related information and resources are not a substitute for professional medical advice or for the care that patients receive from their physicians or other health care providers.
This site and its health-related information resources are not meant to be the practice of medicine, the practice of nursing, or to carry out any professional health care advice or service in the state where you live. Nothing in this Web site is to be used for medical or nursing diagnosis or professional treatment.
Always seek the advice of your physician or other licensed health care provider. Always consult your health care provider before beginning any new treatment, or if you have any questions regarding a health condition. You should not disregard medical advice, or delay seeking medical advice, because of something you read in this site.