Best Bet Fall Races

By Abigail Caron

Saying farewell to summer is always bittersweet. While it’s hard to leave behind afternoons at the swimming hole and seemingly endless daylight, the prospect of Vermont’s crisp fall air makes me eager to lace up my shoes and go running! Here are some of the best autumn races to sweeten the deal – along with warm apple cider and donuts of course. 

The Mountain Goat Trail Race – Held on Sunday, Sept. 20, this beautiful and challenging 8.5-mile race through Merck Forest & Farmland Center in Rupert is the perfect way to kick off the fall running season. Beginning from the Sap House, you’ll follow trails and forest roads to the summit of Mount Antone, gaining an impressive 1,800 feet of climbing along the way. After taking in the view of southwestern Vermont’s Taconic Mountains and farms, you’ll descend until you reach the forest road to The Glen. Here you’ll get in your last bit of climbing before heading back down to the farm, returning to the Sap House for the finish. There will be two aid stations along the route offering light snacks, fruit, and hydration (Skratch and water). A one-mile kids fun run is also offered, following the dirt road loop surrounding the farm. Up for the challenge? Learn more and register at mountaingoat.com.

Apple Harvest 10K – Covered bridge? Check. Lake views? Got ‘em. Apple orchards? Of course! The Apple Harvest 10K on Saturday, Sept. 26 follows an out and back course on a mix of dirt and paved roads through beautiful Shelburne and Charlotte. Starting and finishing at Shelburne Beach, the Green Mountain Athletic Association race will take runners along Bostwick, Orchard, and Lake roads, with a turnaround at the covered bridge and water stations along the way. Upon finishing, runners will find refreshments waiting for them back at the beach, and prizes will be awarded for top finishers in each age group. To top off the perfect fall race day, stop by Shelburne Orchards for apple picking, cider donuts, and apple cider. Whether you’re looking to push yourself on this fast course or simply enjoy the scenery, register at gmaa.run.

Paine Mountain Trail Races – Two competitive and technical trail race options await you at the fourth annual Paine Mountain Trail Races in Northfield on Sunday, Sept. 27. Choose to run the Norwich “Anchor” Challenge 6K or the Paine Mountain Summit 7.5M Race, both of which promise scenic and challenging courses, and raise funds for the Northfield Town Forest and the Norwich University Cross Country Teams. Plus, get the kids involved with two free youth races, a 200m Kiddo Dash and 1M Fun Run. Both trail courses begin at the Norwich Shaw Outdoor Center before climbing either to the summit of Paine Mountain (2,408 feet), or the Norwich “Anchor” (1,700 feet) – a revered landmark for Norwich students at the top of the university’s old ski slope. Are you up for the challenge? Register at ultrasignup.com.

Vermont PANS/PANDAS Awareness 5K Run/Walk – On Saturday, Oct. 10, join this third annual family-friendly race/walk on the waterfront at the Burlington Surf Club. The joyful event brings the community together around families affected by PANS/PANDAS, which can cause the sudden onset of severe symptoms in children following infection or another immune trigger. Net proceeds support the NPD Clinic at Dartmouth Health, advancing care, education, and understanding. Register at runsignup.com.

Mansfield Uphill Trail Race – The Mansfield Uphill is back for the second time this year on Sunday, Oct. 18. Join the Mansfield Nordic Pro Team at Stowe Mountain Resort for a fun challenge and fundraiser for the Pro Team. Run, hike, walk, bound, run backwards, crawl… however you do it, make your way up the mountain at your own pace or try to beat one of the pro athletes to the top! The course begins at Midway Lodge and follows Switchback and Perry Merrill trails all the way to Cliff House. Once you make it to the top, enjoy a scenic gondola ride back to Midway Lodge where prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers in each category and the Pro Team will host a Q&A. Proceeds directly support the athletes’ racing, travel, equipment, and other season expenses. Take in the fall scenery, challenge yourself, and support Vermont’s professional Nordic ski team. Learn more and register at runreg.com.

Middlebury Maple Run – Get ready for Vermont’s “sweetest” races on Sunday, Oct. 18. With inspiring music along the Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K courses, the three distances follow a mix of trail, paved, and dirt roads with beautiful views of the Green Mountains and Adirondacks. However, it’s not just the runs that make these races sweet – it’s well-stocked aid stations, great swag, post-race grab-and-go breakfast, and visit Dr. Davida Murray from VT Moms Physical Therapy and Performance for post-race recovery services. Even before race day, enjoy a free 18-week training program with your registration. For top finishers, there is Vermont maple syrup waiting for you at the end of your race. Want to get involved without running? Consider volunteering! To register for the runs or sign-up to volunteer, visit middleburymaplerun.com.

Ghostly Gallop Trail 5K – Get your best running costume ready for the Ghostly Gallop Trail 5K. Previously known as “The Hills Are Alive,” this festive race on Sunday, Oct. 25 now has a Halloween theme and is the perfect way to get out and enjoy the crisp fall weather. The picturesque course follows Laura’s Tears trail through Arrowhead Golf Course in Milton and upon finishing, post-race refreshments will be awaiting you at the clubhouse. Prizes will be awarded to the top finishers. The Ghostly Gallop is hosted by the GMAA, a club for all ages and abilities emphasizing friendship, good health, competition, and wholesome fun through running. Feeling spooky? Register or sign-up to volunteer at gmaa.run. 

Abigail Caron (abigail@adksports.com) is an editor for Upstate Sports and Vermont Sports magazines. She enjoys any time that she can spend outside and is often found cycling, running, hiking, or skiing. Abigail also loves to spend time with her cat, Brick, and dog, Leo. She recently graduated from Champlain College and now lives in Vergennes, VT.