October is a great month for running in Central Virginia. The Virginia 10 Miler infected many with the running bug. From 5K road races and long trail runs to fun races with spooky themes, there's something for everyone this month.
With multiple events each weekend, the toughest choice will be which events to choose. You'll find information for most local races at Riverside Runners.
You'll also find registration information at The Aid Station for many running events in our area.
On Oct. 5, the Ducky Dash and Derby Fun Run for kids up to age 13 will be held at Peaks View Park. Kids up to age 4 will run 1/4 mile, ages 5-8 will run 1/2 mile and ages 9-13 will run 1 mile. This event, sponsored by the Junior League of Lynchburg, is a fun way to introduce kids to the sport of running. Stay after the race for the Ducky Derby, with 2,500 rubber duckies racing in the waters of Ivy Creek. The Ducky Dash begins at 9 a.m.
Many runners will be on the campus of Sweet Briar College on Oct. 5 for the Amherst Habitat for Humanity 5K, which begins at 8:30 a.m. Help raise money for a Habitat for Humanity build as you run or walk in this event.
On Oct. 12, the 3rd Annual Poplar Forest 5K will be held at Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest. The 5K begins at 8:30 a.m. and the Fun Run starts at 9:30 a.m.
Run For Their Lives 5K Run/Walk and 1K Kids Fun Run will be held at 8:30 a.m. on Oct. 12. This year's event will be held at Lynchburg College. This event is a Freedom 4/24 event to raise awareness and funds to bring sexually exploited women and children into freedom.
The MUSTACHE Fun Run/Walk Dash will be held in Wyndhurst on Oct. 13 at 3 p.m. Meet at the flagpole on Northwynd Circle and walk, hop, skip or jump a mile. Mustaches will be available or bring your own for this fun event. Costumes are encouraged and there will be prizes and refreshments. Donations will be accepted for Girls on the Run of Central Virginia.
Trail runners will head to Camp Hydaway on Oct. 19 for the Deep Hollow Trail Half Marathon and Trail 5K, part of the Liberty Mountain Trail Series. The event begins at 8 a.m.
Riverside Park will be filled with running kids for the 23rd Annual John A. Stephenson Memorial Youth Run, which begins at 9 a.m. on Oct. 19. Kids up to age 13 will run in their age group in this family favorite.
Riverside Runners will host The Injury Clinic from 10 a.m. to noon on Oct. 19 with Rehab Associates of Central Virginia. No appointment is necessary to participate.
Following the Running with the Wolves Cross Country Invitational on Oct. 19 at Wolf Branch Farm, located behind Benjamin's in Forest, there will be an open 5K at 2 p.m. This course, the home course for Jefferson Forest Cross Country, is one of the most beautiful in our area.
On Oct. 19, the Into the Darkness Night Trail Run will be held at Roanoke's Explore Park. All ages are welcome at this fun 4 Mile trail event which begins at 7 p.m. Light sources are required and will not be provided so bring your own flashlight or headlamp. A spaghetti dinner will be served following the race.
It's women only on Oct. 26 for the 7th Annual I Am Woman 5K, held at the Alan B Pearson Cancer Center in Lynchburg at 8 a.m. Langhorne Road will be closed down to traffic so arrive early for this event.
The month ends with several fun Halloween-theme runs and walks. The Lynchburg Zombie Walk will be held at 5 p.m. on Oct. 26 at Lynchburg Community Market. Dress in your zombie best and bring canned or non-perishable foods to benefit Blue Ridge Area Food Bank. Cash donations will be accepted for the Lynchburg Dog Park.
Head to The Aid Station, behind the Forest Post Office, for the Monster 5K Fun Run and Monster Mile. Wear your costumes and bring a flashlight or headlamp. This is a fundraiser for Relay For Life. Register in advance or on site and stay for the party after the race.
On Oct. 27, the campus of Presbyterian Homes will be transformed into zombie-infested woods. Register to be a zombie or a victim for the Run For Your Life Zombie Run, which begins at 5 p.m. If you plan to register on site, arrive by 3 p.m. to be a zombie or by 4 p.m. to be a victim. Be sure to stay for the Post-Apocalyptic Party after the race.
Whether you're looking to add some serious miles to your running schedule or want to enjoy a fun run with family and friends, there are plenty of options during the month of October. So grab your running shoes and join in the fun.
