What better way than participating in one of these fun, unique fall fun runs? From a color run to being chased by zombies, Connecticut has it all—there’s even a run for pizza lovers—and it’s not too late to sign up.
The events below are organized by date, so the ones at the top are coming up soon. In most cases pre-registering online will save you a few bucks and make race-day a lot easier.
The Tropicolor World Tour Color Run
Where: Seaside Park, 1 Barnum Drive, Bridgeport
When: Saturday, October 22, 2016. Starting line departs at 10am and waves go out every five minutes until 10:30am.
Cost: $34.99, includes entry fee for the run, t-shirt, headband, and miscellaneous extras. Children ages 5 and under can participate for $14.99.
The Color Run is one of those events that I have always wanted to participate in, but haven’t had the guts for (I don’t like to run outside—it’s a weird quirk). This 5k is tropic in theme, and participants will be bathed head to toe in tropical colors as they proceed through the run, so make sure you wear white! (Some people also wear sunglasses to keep the color out of their eyes; it’s your choice. Portions of the proceeds will be donated to a number of charities including the Bridgeport YMCA and the Huntsman Cancer Foundation.
You can check-in the day before at Kohl’s at 290 Tunxis Rd, Fairfield, from noon–6pm and pick up your run kit, etc. If you can’t, you can do so the day of the run from 8am–9:45pm.
I feel it necessary to explain that the concept of a color run goes back to the Hindu spring festival Holi, also known as the Festival of Colors.
Ives Factory Farm Trot 5k
Where: 1585 Cheshire Street, Cheshire
When: Saturday, October 29, 2016. Registration begins at 7:30am and the race begins at 9:30am.
Cost: $35 with preregistration and $40 with registration day of the race.
This 5k takes place on a working farm, meaning there’s no asphalt: Runners will be jogging through woodlands, around vegetable and hayfields, and along the banks of the Quinnipiac River on trails and farm paths. Also on exhibit will be live music; booths sharing information about the environment, conservation, and health; food; and a tractor display. Baby strollers and dogs won’t be allowed on the property on race day.
It’s a scenic run, but the organizers point out that it isn’t for everyone: There are a lot of inclines and the road may be uneven, making it a challenge for beginners.
Milford Trick or Trot 5k
Where: Lisman Landing, 37 Helwig Street, Milford
When: Saturday, October 29, 2016. Registration begins at 7:30am and the race begins at 9am.
Cost: $25 with preregistration and $30 with registration day of the race, and includes breakfast/snacks after the run and prizes.
This 5k is a great one for the Halloween weekend, because it’s another excuse to dress up in your costume! It’s a great way to preemptively burn off some of the sugar from the Halloween candy you (and your kids) will be eating the next couple of weeks.
All abilities and ages are welcome to enjoy the scenery, including some beautiful water views. You can either run or run. A free kids run will take place 15 minutes before the start of the 5k and is a little over one tenth of a mile.
Monster Dash 5k & 1 Mile Family Run
Where: Stamford Family YMCA, 10 Bell Street, Stamford
When: Saturday, October 29, 2016. Registration begins at 7:15am and the race begins at 8am.
Cost: $30 for adults, $15 for participants aged 5–18, and free for children under 4.
This event features both a full 5k for athletes and a 1 mile run for families and children. It’s a flat course through downtown Stamford, making it perfect for runners of all abilities. Being so close to Halloween, the event also features a haunted house, festive music, and Halloween-themed games.
The event is being held to raise money to provide financial assistance to families who cannot afford after school care for their children.
Zombie Chase Challenge
Where: White Memorial, 80 Whitehall Road, Litchfield
When: Saturday, November 5, 2016. Registration begins at 9am and the race begins at 11am.
Cost: $30 for adults, $15 for children and includes refreshments and awards after the race.
This unique 5k is perfect for fans of The Walking Dead and anyone who isn’t ready to pack away the Halloween decorations just yet. You can participate in one of three categories: Humans, who wear 3 flags and get a 2-minute head start and must run from the zombies; Zombies, who must aim to collect as many flags as possible; and Jumpers, who will be scattered throughout the course (they don’t actually run) and whose duty is to scare the runners and collect as many flags as possible.
Participants are encouraged to come dressed up as zombies if that is the role you’ll be participating as.
MMNT Beards & Beers 5K
Where: 160 Chapel Road, Manchester
When: Saturday, November 12, 2016. Registration begins at 9am and the race begins at 11am.
Cost: $35, and includes after-run party, prizes, and more.
This event boasts itself as “One of the manliest races you’ll ever be a part of.” Come show off your No-Shave November scruff to support the Center for Health Equity at Saint Francis. Ladies and children are welcome to run, too, so you can come as a family!
The after-race party will include music, free food, free beer (21+), giveaways, and more. Spectators who stay for the party are encouraged to donate $10 to participate. The course is flat, and dogs are not allowed.
Colony Grill ‘Hot Oil’ 5k
Where: Starts at the Fairfield Train Station
When: Sunday, November 13, 2016. Race starts at 9am.
Cost: $35 ($20 for Fairfield Police/Fire Department personnel) and includes complimentary shirt, pizza, and drinks after the run. No day-of registration, so be sure you register online!
This event made the list for a few reasons. First, all proceeds go to benefit local police and fire personnel. Second: Free pizza for all competitors! Plus, the male and female winner of the event will receive free pizza for a year. The course is limited to the first 1,700 runners to sign up, so if you love pizza (and running, I guess) then register ASAP.
Be sure you pick up your race kit November 12 at the Fairfield Colony Grill from 8:30am–11am.
