Fall races that won’t break the bank
Fall races are fast approaching. Don’t have your fall races picked yet? Don’t worry. There is time for you to decide what you’re going to aim for and which events you’d like to participate in. Some runners can be a little daunted by sizable race entry fees. There can be many reasons for this. Perhaps you’re someone who is looking to fit in as many races as possible but are phased by how quickly it all adds up. There can also be uncertainty about scheduling conflicts or it can be hard to pay top dollar when you’re still unsure about whether or not you are going to be fully committed to training. If shelling out the cash is making you nervous, here are some events that will go easy on the wallet.
TOP PICK: MEC seriesÂ
For over 40 years, MEC has been connecting Canadians to the outdoors and more recently have been organizing and hosting various road and trail races across the country. This is the perfect place to start when planning a race for fall. Starting at $15, this is a great option for someone who is looking to try out racing for the first time and doing a low-key tune-up race. Events this fall in Toronto are the Sept. 13 race where runners can choose a 5K, 10K, marathon or half (The marathon costs $25.00 or $30.00 in cash on race day!) and the Fall Classic on Oct. 25. Runners pay $15.00 entry for a 5K, 10K or 15K.
Where: Various locations from coast to coast.
Price: $15 – $30
Distance:Â 5K, 10K, 15K, Half and Marathon
Vancouver Eastside 10K
This is an incredibly well organized event by Canadian Running Series. The crowds are supportive, the hills are gentle and the course is stunning. It’s well priced, giving runners no reason not to go.
Where: Vancouver
When: Sept. 19, 2015
Price: $25 – 60
Distance: 10K
Melfort Multi-K
With only about 500 participants overall, this race is not an intimidating size. A great pick for runners looking for something fun to run in fall. A big bonus is that kids can race for free.
Where: Melfort, Sask.Â
When: Sept. 19, 2015
Price: $20 – 40
Distance: Half-marathon, 10K, 5K
Flatlanders Road RaceÂ
The Flatlanders Road Race is hosted by The Regina Roadrunners. Runners are taken along quiet trails and the race is exactly what is says it is: flat. No punishing hills!
Where: Regina
When: Oct. 3, 2015
Price: $26 – 36
Distance:Â Half-marathon, 10K, 5K
Classique du Parc La FontaineÂ
It’s one of the oldest in the province of Quebec and is a well-attended event for runners who really want to know what the race atmosphere is all about. It’s also praised for being well organized.
Where: Montreal
When: Oct. 18
Price: $28 – 40
Distance: 5K, 10K
Fillion Sports Marathon de RimouskiÂ
Running this event is a great way to get to see the St. Lawrence River. Not only is this race set in pretty scenery, it’s also quite flat. Inexpensive PB anyone?
Where: Rimouski, Que.
When: Oct. 4, 2015
Price: $30 – 60; marathon starts at $40
Distance: Half-marathon, marathon, 10K
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