As the weather cools off, the running shoes come out. Fall sees some of the best races in Savannah from the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon in November (the running shoes better be out NOW if you’re planning on that one) to the Savannah Bridge Run in early December. There are plenty of 5ks and trail races thrown in there for good measure.
Check out eight of the best fall races in the city below. You can use any of these races as a milestone if you’re in training for a marathon or half, or just come out for the fun of it.
September
9/14/19 – The Savannah Sunburn Half and 10k Presented by Urgent Care of Sandfly
Make the most of the end of summer and run through that scorching heat. This race at Wormsloe Historic Site is thankfully shaded. A lot of runners use this as a milestone for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon in November or the Bridge Run in December. This is a trail run, so dress accordingly and come prepared with bug spray, plenty of water, and, for goodness sake, sunscreen.
9/21/19 – Tour de Ford 10-Miler
Savannah may be far from the Tour de France, but the Tour de Ford is no less majestic. Run through the historic Ford Plantation in Richmond Hill on a variety of terrain – both pavement and trail. The 10-mile course starts and ends at the Ford Mansion with gourmet food provided by the Ford Mansion chef.
9/28/19 – Fast and the Furriest 8K9 Trail Run
Bring your best friend of the four-legged variety along with you on this run at Skidaway Island State Park. The race benefits the Savannah Kennel Club and is sponsored by Chatham Parkway Subaru. Hang out afterwards with eats from the Naked Dog Food Truck and brews from Service Brewing.
October
10/27/19 – Warriors for William 5K and Kids Fun Run
Take the whole family out for this fun day for a good cause. One hundred percent of the proceeds go to childhood cancer research. Dress in your best superhero costume. The race features a special training course where our younger warriors can shoot spiderwebs and get chased by dinosaurs.
November
11/2/19 – Rock ‘n’ Roll Savannah Marathon
The mother of all Savannah races – the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series takes over downtown Savannah for a weekend in November with events starting on Thursday. Take on the marathon, half marathon or two-person half marathon relay, if you’ve been working that training schedule. Or sign up for the 5K or one-mile run on Sunday, November 3 for a less strenuous race. The Strumbellas headline this year with many more bands along the course route.
11/28/19 – United Way Turkey Trot
Nothing like a 5k jaunt before stuffing yourself full of turkey and cranberry sauce. This race draws more than 1,400 runners along a four-mile course starting and ending in Daffin Park. A Kids K and Diaper Dash are also on the schedule.
December
12/7/19 – Savannah Bridge Run
Definitely one of the coolest races in Savannah, the Bridge Run takes you over, you guessed it, the massive Talmadge Bridge. Check out marsh and city views after huffing and puffing up the bridge incline before you fly down the other side. If you’re up for the 10k, get ready to do it all over again the other direction.
12/14/19 – Rape Crisis Center Reindeer Run
You may not need a hat and gloves for this race – it could be 40 degrees or 70, one never knows in Savannah. Either way, this race will warm you up as winter starts and for a good cause. The race takes place on Hutchinson Island on an 8K course. A kids race and games afterward make this a great family-friendly day. Proceeds go to the Rape Crisis Center’s Prevention Education program which offers training in local schools and colleges.
