Fall in Utah Valley is made for running. The air is crisp, the canyons are full of color, and every weekend brings a new reason to get outside. Whether you're chasing a half marathon PR or just want a fun family 5K with a medal at the end, these fall races are some of the best in the valley.
1. Apple Harvest Run: October 3 | Santaquin
1 mile, 5K, 10K (plus a virtual option)
Run hard-packed dirt roads through the apple and cherry orchards at Rowley's Red Barn, right at the peak of harvest season. The race kicks off Rowley's fall festival and Harvest Days. Afterward you can take a hayride to the corn maze, pick a pumpkin, or grab an apple cider donut and a famous apple cider slush. Registration includes a race shirt, a 4" medal, and chip timing.
Register for the Apple Harvest Run
2. Scarecrow 5K: October 17 | Lehi
5K
This family favorite winds through Thanksgiving Point's Ashton Gardens during the Scarecrow Festival, past creative scarecrows built by the community. The course is wheels-friendly, so strollers and running aids are welcome. Every finisher gets a custom medal and race shirt. The race starts at 8 AM, and early registration pricing ends September 15.
Register for the Scarecrow 5K
3. Runtastic HAUNTED Half Marathon: October 30 and 31 | Provo
Half marathon, 5K, kids run, and a Friday night 5K
Costumes are encouraged at this Halloween weekend tradition. The half marathon starts in Provo Canyon and runs 13.1 miles down the canyon into Provo, with peak fall color the whole way. The half, 5K, and kids run are on Saturday, October 31. If you'd rather run after dark, the Haunted at Night 5K is Friday, October 30. Expect costume contests, finisher medals, live music, and post-race food.
Register for Runtastic HAUNTED Provo
4. Runtastic THANKFUL: November 26 | Lehi
Half marathon, 10K, 5K, kids run
Start Thanksgiving Day with a run along the Jordan River Trail at Thanksgiving Point, then enjoy your turkey guilt-free. Every runner gets a long-sleeve race shirt, a finisher medal, and free event photos. Hot chocolate and pumpkin pie are waiting at the finish line. Prices go up after September 30, so sign up early.
Register for Runtastic THANKFUL
Make It a Race Weekend
Coming in from out of town? Find a place to stay close to the start line on our Utah Valley hotels page. You can also fill the rest of your weekend with scenic drives, corn mazes, and more from our fall activities guide.
See you at the finish line!
