You’ve braved the heat all summer, sweating buckets to log your weekly mileage. You bought new shoes for the new season, and now you’re dying to see all the hard work pay off. Luckily for you, fall in Pittsburgh is not only beautiful, but it is also a great time to challenge yourself with countless local races! As the leaves are falling, cut serious time off of your personal best by running some of these great Pittsburgh 5ks.

Richard S. Caliguiri City of Pittsburgh Great Race

Sept. 27

Oakland/Downtown

Boasting more than 15,000 finishers in the 10k, 5k, and fitness walk, the Great Race is one of Pittsburgh’s largest races, second only to the Pittsburgh Marathon itself! The 10k starts on Forbes Avenue in Squirrel Hill, and the 5k picks up halfway along Fifth Avenue in Oakland. This scorchingly fast race is mostly downhill, finishing near Point State Park downtown. But remember, registration for the 5k and 10k is capped, so make like a runner and hurry up to register!

Run Shadyside

Oct. 3

Shadyside

This race calls itself “a fast-moving house tour” through the streets of Shadyside. If you’ve ever wanted to explore Walnut Street, Ellsworth Avenue or Center Avenue, this is the race for you! Held rain or shine, the tree-lined streets offer both protection from the elements and picturesque views. Like many races, proceeds from Run Shadyside benefit a local charity; in this case, you’ll be supporting Pittsburgh youth at the Shadyside Boys & Girls Club!

GASP Clean Air Dash

Oct. 31

SouthSide Works

This Halloween, make a healthy choice and join the Group Against Smog and Pollution for their annual 5k starting in the SouthSide Works! This race is a great way to see the Three Rivers Heritage Trail, a favorite place to train for local athletes. The course is also guaranteed to show off the best of the changing leaves and fall scenery, and don’t forget, this Halloween race is costume-friendly!

ZooZilla

Nov. 7

Highland Park: Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium

Wish you had time between all these races to spend a day at the zoo? Get ready to see your favorite animals in a whole new way at the ZooZilla 5k Run. Complete with a day pass for the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, this professionally timed run is perfect for pros and novices alike. Also, this is a rain or shine event, so make sure you pack a poncho!

PNC YMCA Turkey Trot

Nov. 26th

North Shore

Our tour of Pittsburgh’s fall races ends on Thanksgiving day with a quintessential Turkey Trot. Take the T to the North Shore and check out this family-friendly event which welcomes strollers, dogs, and participants of all ages. Take your pick of a 1 mile fun run/walk, 5k Turkey Trot, or challenge yourself with the 5 miler!

With winter right around the corner, seize the opportunity to run some great races before autumn ends. We’ll see you at the finish line!