Fall is the perfect time to get outside and exercise. The humid summer weather is behind us and we haven’t spotted a snowflake just yet.
Need a little extra motivation? Print out this Couch to 5K training program, then register for one of six great races in October.
1. Loop for Lana 5K ““ October 4
- Where: Crestview Hills, Ky.
- When: October 4, 9 a.m.
- What: This race benefits the Elana Brophy Memorial Fund. Elana died of pediatric cancer in 2002, and this is a great race to support efforts to cure childhood cancer. Proceeds will benefit Children’s Hospital.
- Terrain: This race mixes flat areas with rolling hills.
- Cost: $20 without a shirt or $35 with a long-sleeved tech shirt
2. Queen Bee 4-miler ““ October 11
- Where: Horseshoe Casino
- When: October 11, 8 a.m.
- What: Not feeling up to the Queen Bee half marathon? Join your fellow lady runners and walkers for a 4-mile race, then enjoy a day of pampering, swag and fun. You earned it!
- Terrain: Take a run or walk through the rolling hills of Eden Park.
- Cost: $35 through September 30
3. Undy Run/Walk 5K ““ October 11
- Where: Newport on the Levee
- When: October 11, 9 a.m.
- What: Skip the crowds at the Queen Bee and run in your undies! All proceeds benefit the Colon Cancer Alliance. Can’t finish the full 5K? Try the one-mile fun run at 9:10 a.m.
- Cost (5K): $30 in advance; $40 on race day
- Cost (1K): $20 in advance; $30 on race day
4. Color Fun Fest 5K ““ October 18
- Where: Kentucky Speedway
- When: October 18, various start times
- What: Mix fitness and fun at the Kentucky Speedway. Participants will run through five color stations and toss thousands of pounds of color on each other. After the race, enjoy vendors, food and live music.
- Cost: $25
5. Run Like Hell 5K ““ October 24
- Where: 3614 Woodburn Avenue (near Xavier University)
- When: October 24, 7:30 p.m.
- What: Debut your Halloween costume during the Run Like Hell. This annual race is a must-try for all Greater Cincinnati runners and walkers. Proceeds benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
- Cost: $35 until October 20; $40 from October 21 through October 23; $45 on race day
6. Undead 5K ““ October 25
- Where: 4188 Irwin Simpson Road (Mason)
- When: October 25, 8 a.m.
- What: Brave 3.1 miles of zombies. Each runner gets three flags ““ as long as you can keep one, you cross the finish line “alive.” Zombies will be hiding throughout the course to snatch your flags away and turn you into a zombie. Lose all your flags? Not to worry ““ find the medical station to replenish your supply or finish the race as a member of the undead. The race has two divisions ““ one for people who cross with at least one flag and one for people who lose all their flags and finish as a zombie.
- Cost: $40
