Most Entertaining Fall 5Ks for 2015

Written by
Erica Schuckies
Fall brings more than pumpkins and changing leaf colors. From elk bugles and doughnuts to Where's Waldo
and burpees, there is no shortage of highly entertaining races across the country this autumn. Sign up now for your fair share of fall fun runs.
Rut Run
Oct. 3, 2015, Estes Park, Colo.
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Ever heard an elk bugle? Here's your opportunity to not only hear this incredible sound, but also potentially get up close and personal with these majestic beasts as they call out their territory during mating season. Herds of elk are known to roam the residential areas in Estes Park, giving residents and tourists a chance to see their beauty and grandeur in person (from a safe distance, of course). The course will take runners through the quiet mountain town, past radiant golden Aspen trees, the Fall River and the quaint shops on Elkhorn Avenue. The 3.1-mile race is part of Estes Park's Elk Fest, which includes a bugling contest, Cabela's archery range, Native American music, craft beer garden and elk-inspired activities and crafts.
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Chattanooga Oktoberfest 5K Run
Oct. 17, 2015, Chattanooga, Tenn.
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Held in conjunction with Chattanooga Oktoberfest, this 5K is festive and authentic to the traditions of the real German Oktoberfest every year in Munich. Race organizers encourage runners to dress in their best lederhosen for both running and a post-race costume contest. After you cross the finish line, take in authentic oompah music, Oktoberfest-inspired food and more than 99 local and craft beers.
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Donut Dash 5K
Oct. 17, 2015, Winter Garden, Fla.
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Love doughnuts? Love running? Think you'll love them both—at the same time? Put your stomach and endurance to the test during this 5K run where your finish time decreases by 30 seconds for each doughnut you eat throughout the race. Not so keen on downing sugary dough rings while running, but still want to show your love for the tasty treat? The race also offers prizes for the best-dressed doughnut.
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Super Run
Oct. 17, 2015, Dallas
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Capes are encouraged, but not required. Sign up for this race to bring out your inner superhero. Pull out that Batman or Wonder Woman costume from the back of your closet and don your favorite cape. Although wearing a Superman costume will not automatically give you flying powers, it will give you the opportunity to help raise funds for the LifePath Foundation. The 40-year-old foundation supports people with intellectual and developmental delays, as well as those with behavioral health and substance abuse issues.
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Waldo Waldo 5K
Oct. 17, 2015, Colorado Springs
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You'll have no problem finding Waldo at this wacky 5K race full of stripe-clad, glasses-wearing runners. Registration comes with a Waldo or Wenda costume kit, which will immediately make each mile of this race infinitely more fun. How can a race full of Waldos and Wenda's NOT entertain you? The only drawback to this event? Not being able to spot your friends or loved ones. "I'll be the one in the stripes..."
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Stewbilee 5K
Oct. 24, 2015, Brunswick, Ga.
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Hosted as part of the Brunswick Stewbilee, this 5K road race begins and ends at the Mary Ross Waterfront Park. Race organizers encourage runners to gather students, teachers and faculty from their schools as the race awards a $500 prize to the school PTA with the highest number of participants. After the race, enjoy Stewbilee festivities, including live music, a classic and antique car show, pooch parade and all the delicious stew you can eat.
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Phantom 5K
Oct. 31, 2015, Loveland, Colo.
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Break out your run-friendly costume and celebrate Halloween in a unique way—by running. Registration for this 5K includes a Bone Chilling Breakfast, complete with eyeball eggs, spider cupcakes and other spooky-themed treats. You'll also receive a free child's entry to the Kids Fun Run with every adult 5K registration. Take your costumed dog along to this one as well, as Franken-pooch is more than welcome. All proceeds of the race go to Animal Rescues in Northern Colorado.
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5K Burpee Challenge
Nov. 8, 2015, Everett, Wash.
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This race throws running boredom out the window. Sign up for this burpee race to motivate and test yourself in one of the most unique (and challenging) races we've seen in a while. Your task is to complete 12 laps around the Cascade High School track by only doing burpees—either individually or on a team. Just don't "burpee" up last night's meal.
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Ruff Run
Nov. 14, 2015, Appling, Ga.
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If you love trail running and your dog, this race is perfect for you. Designed specifically for dogs and their owners, this 5K trail race provides an opportunity to bond with your pooch on single- and double-track trails in East Georgia. The race provides water buckets for the four-legged runners, but those on two legs must carry their own water bottles, as this is a cup-free race. Race proceeds go to the Central Savannah River Area Human Society.
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Baklava 5K
Nov. 21, 2015, Fayetteville, N.C.
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Toga! Toga! Toga! This race lets you channel your inner Greek (or favorite Animal House character) during a 5K put on by The Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church. Don your best toga or other Greek-inspired costume, and prepare your stomach to eat not one, but two pieces of baklava at the halfway point of this race. Proceeds of the race benefit the church's youth ministries.
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