9 Trail Races to Welcome Autumn in 2015

Written by
Taylor Danser
While celebrating the fall season with pumpkin-flavored goodies is great, there might not be a better way to soak it all in than running through it. There are plenty of trail races to get you in the mood this year. Don't see one close by? Search for a trail race near you on Active.
1. Two Lakes Trail Run
Oct. 3, 2015, in Burns, Tenn.
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You'll be challenged on this exciting trail, with seven short hills to climb and descend. Most of the trail is single track with a few runs of double track, and presents the opportunity to see beavers at work along Lake Woodhaven. It's a short drive from Nashville, and has a later start time at 11 a.m. The purpose is to have fun and introduce Tennessee's state parks to new people during the off-season.
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2. Mesa Run
Oct. 3, 2015, in Golden, Colo.
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This fourth-annual event features a fun trail race on North Table Mountain and a 5K run. The trail run covers a scenic, challenging course over beautiful terrain and fascinating wildlife. The 5K, meanwhile, is a perfect mix of road and trail.
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3. Trust Trail Fest 2015
Oct. 10, 2015, in Kennebunkport, Maine
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Traverse the scenic trails of the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust, with beautiful single- and double-track trails that wind through the woods and along the Buxton River. There's an event for everyone, with 5K, 10K and half marathon distances, as well as the Mile of Smiles on the Discovery Loop for kids. Celebrate crossing the finish with a festival of music, beer and barbecue and toast to the outdoors and fall foliage.
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4. Buffalo Run
Oct. 11, 2015, in Bluffton, S.C.
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This second-annual event offers 10K, 30K or 50K distances, all of which benefit the Palmetto Bluff Conservancy. This trail runs deep into the ancient maritime forests of Palmetto Bluff. Don't be afraid to get a little muddy; it's all a part of the experience.
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5. WRC Trail 5K Zombie Run
Oct. 17, 2015, in Westminster, Md.
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This not-your-average 5K tests your ability to survive an all-terrain trail and hang on to your flags while being chased by hordes of zombies. All proceeds benefit the upkeep of Washington Road Community Trail.
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6. LiveBIG Trail Run/Walk
Oct. 17, 2015, in Castle Rock, Colo.
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Take the family and join in on the fun for the second year of the LiveBIG Trail Run through Philip S. Miller Park. Distances include 10K and 5K trail runs. There's also a liveBIG adventure run (1 mile) that winds through kid-friendly obstacles.
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7. Lake to Lake 8K Trail Run and Woods Walk
Oct. 18, 2015, in Lake Ariel, Penn.
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Run or walk through the trails of Lacawac in Lake Ariel, Pennsylvania. As you race through the Lacawac Sanctuary, you'll see 400 acres of biodiversity and natural resources. The course is on the shore of Lake Wallenpaupack, with rich woodland habitat and a diverse array of plants, animals and birds.
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8. Sekani Trail Run
Oct. 18, 2015, in Spokane, Wash.
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A 5K, 10K or kids' 1K is available for the choosing at Spokane's Camp Sekani Park, a 1,250-acre natural park bordering beautiful Minnehaha. This run is an adventure run/walk/hike race with 100 percent dirt trails, and the 10K course challenges with 700 feet of elevation gain Proceeds benefit Franklin Elementary School's APPLE program.
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9. Hill Country Trail Race
Nov. 21, 2015, in Palmetto, Ga.
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This eighth-annual event travels through the private trails of Serenbe, a community designed on the values and principles of environmental sustainability. Thousands of runners have hit the course and fallen in love with Georgia's new "city in the woods." There are 5K and 15K options to choose from; the latter takes you running through the woods, past a waterfall, over open pastures and into the town center of Serenbe.
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