Just because beach season is coming to an end, doesn’t mean it’s an excuse to skip out on your fitness. The chilly weather might make you more inclined to hibernate on your coach but with so many races for runners of all levels right here on the North Shore, you might want to hold off on binge watching that next show. So, lace up those sneakers and keep your heart rate up this fall by staying active with one of these ten local races:
Run the Goose
September 4
After a year off, the Goose is back! This 7K is a challenging run (sometimes a trail run) on Labor Day morning around the amazing Goose Cove reservoir in Gloucester. The Race starts at the O’Maley Middle School parking lot located at 32 Cherry Street in Gloucester.
8 a.m.-9:30 p.m. 13 & under: $14 (pre), $19 (day of); 14 & up: $24 (pre), $28 (day of). O’ Malley Middle School, 32 Cherry St., Gloucester
www.northshoreymca.org/programs/road-races
The Bent Water Brewing Co. Thunder Squad Running Club Weekly RUN
September 5 (and every Tuesday)
Stay fit and fresh while enjoying fresh, local beer! Join the Bent Water gang for a weekly 3.2-mile run to the beach led by Angel Dee, a Lynn resident and avid runner. Meet in the taproom any time before the 6:30 p.m. start time. Run with the club seven times and receive a Bent Water t-shirt.
6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. Free. The Bent Water Brewing Co., 180 Commercial St. #18, Lynn
Meters for Liters!
September 6 (and every Wednesday)
Meters for Liters is a weekly 5K run from Notch brewery. This is not a race, just a chance to get out and drink some cold beer. Earn Notch swag when you complete 10 runs. Brewers Chris and Nate will join and when you get back to the brewery, there will be plenty of free beer and pretzels for runners. No sign up required. Runners will earn custom Notch swag upon completing 50,000 meters! (10 runs).
6:30 p.m.- 8 p.m. Free. Notch Brewing, 283 Derby St., Salem
Danvers 5K
September 3 (and every Wednesday)
The Danvers 5K is a fun run. That means all are welcome to run and it’s not an official race. The group prides itself on being a diverse bunch and has regular runners of all ages and abilities. Plus, you won’t find too many courses as flat as this in New England. It’s not a table, but it’s pretty fast and only has a few light hills.
7 p.m.-9 p.m. Free. Osborn Tavern, 49 Maple St., Danvers
Happy as a Clam 5K
September 15
A 5K through the beautiful streets of Essex and free kid fun dashes for kids in grades 5 and below. All proceeds benefit the Essex Elementary PTO. Top male and female finishers will win a Woodman’s gift card and every 25th runner will receive a gift card to the New England Running Company!
6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Cost: $25 (pre); $30 (day of). 12 Story St., Essex
Mystic Runners Classic 5K, 10K, and Kids’ Fun Run
September 16
The 12th Annual Mystic Runners Classic will kick off with a Kids’ Fun Run, followed by a fast 5K and 10K course around Lake Quannapowitt in Wakefield. Participants can look forward to easy bib pickup, convenient parking, a scenic course, and finisher medals, followed by music and snacks at the finish line! Both the 5K and 10K course travel around beautiful Lake Quannapowitt in Wakefield. This flat and fast course will give first time runners a chance to enjoy the views and all those seasoned veterans a chance to go for a PR. After you collect your finisher medal, cheer on your fellow runners and enjoy our Finish Line Festival. Celebrate what is sure to be an impressive finish with post-race food, music and more.
8 a.m.-10 a.m. Kids Race Free; 5K $15-$30; 10K $20-$35. Lake Quannapowitt,
Wakefield
To register, visit racewire.com/register.php?id=7935
Run the Fair 5K & Kids’ Fun Run
Run or walk the fairgrounds & scenic Topsfield to support the Essex Agricultural Society’s scholarship fund. 25 Scholarships Awarded Annually!
8 a.m.-9:30 a.m. Cost: $25 (advance); $30 (race day). 207 Boston St., Topsfield
topsfieldfair.org/roadrace.php
Half Marathon-by-the-Sea
Enjoy spectacular views as you race along the scenic harbor and coastline in Manchester-by-the-Sea. Then, continue as you run past the pristine fresh water lakes in Hamilton. The course is mostly flat and fast with a few gently rolling hills. Come enjoy beautiful views and race toward the huge finish line arch!
10 a.m.-1 p.m. Cost: $55-$75. Manchester Essex Memorial Elementary School, 43 Lincoln St., Manchester-by-the-Sea
http://www.yukanrun.com/Half-Marathon-by-the-Sea.html
Stride for Healthy Communities
September 30
Walk/run to support Hallmark Health services lines.
9 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Cost: $25 (pre); $30 (day of). Lake Quannapowitt, Wakefield
hallmarkhealth.org/Giving-and-Getting-Involved/
Running Dead Zombie 5K Challenge
September 30
Halloween themed 5K where zombies chase the runners through Gallows Hill Park.
4:30 p.m.-6 p.m. Cost: $25-$25. Gallows Hill Park, 7 Mansell Pkwy, Salem