Fall is finally among us. Students are acclimated to school. Trees turn from green to a sea of red, orange, and yellow. The crisp breeze wisps through the air. Shoes crunch on fallen leaves.

As the cross country season at MCHS is in its second half,  local running events just so happen to begin to pick up. Of all of these events, the vast majority are 5Ks for local organizations used as a sort of fundraising opportunity to make it through the winter.

The closest races to in the area occur throughout the course of three consecutive weekends in October in neighboring towns of Channahon, Minooka, and Naperville. This means that you have the opportunity to participate in each and every race if you so wish.

Why run only once when you can continue to fuel your competitive fire past the final meet of the school season by running in all three? Or, get your parents and siblings involved as well and sprint to the finish to see who is fastest in your family while at the same time encouraging physical activity even as the temperatures begin to drop and the days begin to shorten.

Below you will find the specific details as well as options to sign up for these upcoming races.

Race Day #1: Hoofin’ It 5K Run/Walk and Kids 1 Mile Run

When: Sunday, Oct. 8

Where: Ellis House and Equestrian Center, Minooka

Who: Sponsored by Sunrise Center North Therapeutic Riding in coordination with the Ellis House

What: 5K run/walk (3.1-mile course through the scenic Kendall County Forest Preserve), Kids 1-Mile run

Registration: 5K – $30 before September 24, $35 through race day, Kids Run – $10 through race day

Register Online at www.sunrisenorth.org or on on race day during the registration period

Timeline of Events on Oct. 8:

Registration begins at 8 a.m.

5K begins at 9:30 a.m.

Kids 1 Mile begins at 11:00 a.m.

Awards Ceremony begins at 11:30 a.m.

For more information and directions to the event: Visit www.sunrisenorth.org or www.ellishec.com

Race Day #2: 6th Annual Forte 5K

When: Saturday, Oct. 14

Where: Channahon State Park

Who: Sponsored by Flint Hills Resources and Channahon Music Boosters

What: 5K run/walk (USATF certified 3.1 -mile course through Channahon State Park, Blackberry Lane, McKinley Woods, Kerry Sheridan Grove, and past the I & M Canal

Registration: $30 through Oct. 13, $35 on race day

Register Online at www.forte5k.com or during registration period

Timeline of Events on October 14:

Registration & Packet pick-up from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.

Race begins at 9:00 a.m.

For more details, directions, and information on past races: Visit www.forte5k.com

Race Day #3: Naperville Healthy Driven Half Marathon & 5K

When: Sunday, Oct. 22

Where: Downtown Naperville (Race begins at Eagle St.)

Who: Half Marathon – ages 15 & up; 5K – ages 8 & up

What: USATF certified 3.1-mile and 13.1-mile courses throughout the streets of downtown Naperville

Registration: Half Marathon – $100 w/ shirt, $90 w/o through Sept. 30; $105 w/ shirt, $95 w/o through Oct. 21

5K – $50 w/ hoodie, $35 w/o hoodie through Race Day

Visit www.runnaperville.com to register today

Timeline of Events: Race Day packet pickup selection online when you register – must be completed before 4:00 p.m. on Oct. 21

Half Marathon begins at 7 a.m.

5K begins at 7:15 a.m.

*Post-race events include food and participant celebration

For more information and directions to Naperville: Visit www.runnaperville.com

Questions? Contact Event Manager Dave Sheble at [email protected]