Race Roundup: Sept - October 2026
We are spotlighting some of the most popular races across New England — from scenic coastal runs to challenging mountain courses. Whether you’re chasing a PR or just looking for a fun community event, these races are worth adding to your calendar.
Massachusetts
Here are three of the most popular Massachusetts races taking place in September and October 2026. These races consistently attract large fields, are well organized, and offer experiences that appeal to runners of all abilities.
| Race | City, State | Date & Start Time | Official Website | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston 10K for Women | Boston, MA | Saturday, September 26, 2026 – 9:00 AM (scheduled by the B.A.A.) | Boston 10K for Women | One of the nation’s premier women-only road races, the Boston 10K for Women attracts thousands of participants ranging from first-time runners to elite athletes. The scenic course winds through Boston’s Back Bay and along the Charles River, creating an exciting atmosphere with enthusiastic spectators. The event emphasizes fitness, empowerment, and community while supporting local charities. It is an excellent goal race for runners training for their first 10K or looking to improve their personal best. |
| Cape Cod Marathon | Falmouth, MA | Sunday, October 11, 2026 – 8:00 AM | Cape Cod Marathon | Widely considered one of New England’s most scenic marathons, the Cape Cod Marathon follows the coastline through Falmouth with spectacular ocean views, colorful autumn foliage, and classic Cape Cod villages. In addition to the marathon, the weekend includes a half marathon and 5K, making it a destination event for families and running clubs. The rolling course provides a rewarding challenge while the outstanding volunteer support and festive finish make it a favorite among experienced and first-time marathoners alike. |
| Baystate Marathon & Half Marathon | Lowell, MA | Sunday, October 18, 2026 – 8:00 AM | Baystate Marathon | The Baystate Marathon has earned a reputation as one of New England’s fastest and best-organized marathons. Hosted entirely by volunteers from the Greater Lowell Road Runners, the flat Merrimack River course is a favorite among runners pursuing a Boston Marathon qualifying time. The race is known for exceptional organization, enthusiastic volunteers, and a runner-first philosophy. Recreational runners appreciate the welcoming atmosphere, while competitive athletes value the fast course and cool October weather. The marathon has become so popular that it often sells out months before race day. |
Why these races stand out
- Boston 10K for Women – One of the largest and most prestigious women’s-only road races in the United States.
- Cape Cod Marathon – A destination race famous for its coastal scenery and fall New England atmosphere.
- Baystate Marathon – One of the region’s premier Boston Qualifier races with a reputation for outstanding organization and a fast, flat course.
Maine
Top 3 Popular Maine Races (September–October 2026)
Top 3 Popular Maine Races (September–October 2026)
These races are among Maine’s best-known fall running events. They offer outstanding scenery, excellent organization, and attract runners from throughout New England and beyond.
| Race | City, State | Date & Start Time | Official Website | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bar Harbor Bank & Trust Half Marathon & Fall 5K | Bar Harbor, Maine | Saturday, September 12, 2026 – 8:00 AM (Half Marathon) | https://www.mdiymca.org/bhhalf | One of Maine’s premier half marathons, this event showcases the beauty of Mount Desert Island during the beginning of fall foliage season. The rolling course features breathtaking views of Acadia National Park, Frenchman Bay, forests, and rocky coastline. The race is professionally organized by the Mount Desert Island YMCA and attracts runners looking for a challenging yet scenic destination race. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or simply enjoying one of New England’s most beautiful landscapes, this race delivers an unforgettable experience. |
| Maine Community Bank Maine Marathon, Half Marathon & Relay | Portland, Maine | Sunday, October 4, 2026 – 7:45 AM | https://mainemarathon.com | The Maine Marathon is Maine’s signature fall marathon and one of the longest-running marathons in New England. The USATF-certified, Boston Marathon qualifying course winds through Portland’s historic neighborhoods, along Casco Bay, and into the coastal town of Yarmouth before returning to Portland’s scenic Back Cove. More than just a race, the event is known for exceptional volunteers, enthusiastic spectators, and significant charitable giving, having raised millions of dollars for local nonprofits. Marathon, half marathon, and relay options make this a perfect weekend for runners of all abilities. |
| Mount Desert Island Marathon, Half Marathon & Relay | Bar Harbor & Northeast Harbor, Maine | Sunday, October 18, 2026 – 8:00 AM | https://www.runmdi.org | Frequently ranked among America’s most scenic marathons, the Mount Desert Island Marathon takes runners through Acadia National Park, charming seaside villages, lakes, forests, and along Somes Sound—the only fjord on the East Coast. The rolling course is challenging but rewards runners with spectacular ocean views and brilliant autumn foliage. The race attracts participants from across the United States who want to combine a destination vacation with one of New England’s most memorable marathon experiences. Half marathon and relay options allow runners of varying abilities to enjoy the course |
Why these races are favorites among New England runners
- Bar Harbor Bank & Trust Half Marathon – One of Maine’s premier destination half marathons, featuring stunning Acadia National Park scenery.
- Maine Marathon – Maine’s largest and most established fall marathon, known for outstanding organization, charitable impact, and Boston Marathon qualification.
- Mount Desert Island Marathon – Consistently recognized as one of the most scenic marathons in the United States, making it a bucket-list race for many runners.
New Hampshire
Top 3 Popular New Hampshire Races (September–October 2026)
These are among New Hampshire’s most popular and well-established fall races. They offer a mix of scenic beauty, challenging courses, and outstanding race organization, making them excellent choices for both first-time participants and experienced runners.
| Race | City, State | Date & Start Time | Official Website | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reach the Beach Relay | Bretton Woods to Hampton Beach, NH | Friday–Saturday, September 18–19, 2026 (Team start times begin Friday afternoon and continue into the evening.) | https://www.rtbrelay.com | Reach the Beach is New Hampshire’s premier relay event and one of the most popular relay races in the Northeast. Teams of 6 or 12 runners cover approximately 200 miles from the White Mountains to the Atlantic Ocean, running day and night through picturesque mountain towns, rolling countryside, and coastal communities. The event combines endurance, teamwork, and adventure, creating an unforgettable experience. Many running clubs return year after year, making it one of New England’s signature running events. |
| Clarence DeMar Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K | Keene, New Hampshire | Saturday, October 3, 2026 – 9:00 AM | https://clarencedemar.com/ | The Clarence DeMar Marathon runs through the exquisite New Hampshire countryside. The USATF-certified course includes stunning views of early foliage season, accessible terrain, and a finish line at the historic Appian Way of Keene State College, just steps from where marathon legend Clarence DeMar used to coach collegiate runners. 2025 had just over 300 finishers. The first half is downhill. There is a long climb in mile 15 with short steeper climbs in miles 22 and in mile 24 through the beautiful Greenlawn and Woodland cemeteries. |
| Great Bay 5K | Stratham, New Hampshire | Sunday, October 18, 2026 – 8:00 AM (Marathon & Half Marathon) | The GB5K is the final race in the popular Seacoast Road Race Series and supports the non-profit Great Bay Stewards. The course passes the shores of Great Bay, and is a fun, fast, scenic, and mostly downhill event. Great race to set your 5K PR. |
Why these races are favorites among New England runners
- Reach the Beach Relay – A bucket-list relay that combines teamwork, endurance, and a memorable finish at Hampton Beach.
- Great Bay 5K is almost all downhill. Great race to set a PR.
- Clarence DeMar Marathon – A fast, downhill, runner-friendly course that is ideal for first-time marathoners and experienced runners chasing a personal best.
Vermont
Top 3 Popular Vermont Races (September–October 2026)
Vermont’s fall race calendar is known for spectacular foliage, mountain scenery, and destination-worthy events. The following races are among the state’s most popular and attract runners from across New England and beyond.
| Race | City, State | Date & Start Time | Official Website | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vermont 50 Ultra Run (50 Mile & 50K) | West Windsor, Vermont | Sunday, September 27, 2026 50-Mile: 6:10 AM 50K: 8:00 AM | https://vermont50.com | The Vermont 50 is one of the premier trail running events in the Northeast. Held at the base of Mount Ascutney, runners travel through scenic forests, rolling farmland, and rugged mountain trails during peak fall foliage. The event is nationally recognized for its outstanding organization and its support of Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports, with all proceeds benefiting adaptive sports programs. Whether tackling the challenging 50-mile ultra or the 50K, participants experience breathtaking scenery, enthusiastic volunteers, and an unforgettable trail-running atmosphere. The race weekend also includes mountain bike events, family activities, and a welcoming community of endurance athletes. |
| Leaf Peepers Half Marathon & 5K | Waterbury, Vermont | Sunday, October 4, 2026 Half Marathon: 9:00 AM 5K: 9:15 AM |
| The Leaf Peepers Half Marathon has become one of Vermont’s signature fall road races. Held during peak foliage season, the rolling course winds through picturesque country roads surrounded by brilliant autumn colors, covered bridges, and classic Vermont scenery. Runners appreciate the small-town hospitality, excellent race organization, and enthusiastic volunteers. The event is ideal for runners seeking a scenic destination race or preparing for a late-season marathon. The combination of colorful landscapes and a friendly atmosphere makes this one of New England’s favorite autumn races. |
| Charlotte Covered Bridge Half Marathon & 5K | Shelburne, Vermont | Saturday, September 12, 2026 – 8:30 AM |
| The Charlotte Covered Bridge 5K is one of Vermont’s premier fall running events. Hosted by RunVermont, it features a scenic course through the rolling countryside near Shelburne and Charlotte, with beautiful views of farms, forests, and Vermont’s iconic covered bridges. The race is popular with both competitive runners and families, and shares race day with the highly regarded Charlotte Covered Bridge Half Marathon, creating a festive atmosphere with excellent organization, enthusiastic volunteers, and a lively post-race celebration. It is an outstanding choice for runners looking to experience Vermont’s early fall foliage and rural charm. |
Why these races are favorites among New England runners
- Vermont 50 Ultra Run – One of the Northeast’s premier trail ultramarathons, featuring challenging terrain and supporting an outstanding charitable cause.
- Leaf Peepers Half Marathon – A classic Vermont road race held during peak foliage, known for its scenic countryside and welcoming atmosphere.
- Shelburne Farms Harvest Run – A destination race combining beautiful Lake Champlain views, historic farmland, and one of Vermont’s most picturesque settings for a fall run.
Connecticut
Top 3 Popular Connecticut Races (September–October 2026)
Connecticut’s fall racing season features a mix of fast road races, scenic destination events, and nationally recognized marathons. The following races are among the state’s most popular and consistently attract runners from throughout New England.
| Race | City, State | Date & Start Time | Official Website | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Faxon Law New Haven Road Race (20K, Half Marathon & 5K) | New Haven, Connecticut | Monday, September 7, 2026 (Labor Day) 20K: 8:00 AM Half Marathon: 8:40 AM 5K: 8:50 AM | https://www.newhavenroadrace.org | One of the oldest and most prestigious road races in the United States, the Faxon Law New Haven Road Race has been a Labor Day tradition since 1978. The event attracts elite athletes, competitive club runners, and recreational runners from across the Northeast. The signature 20K is a USA Track & Field championship-caliber race, while the half marathon and 5K provide excellent options for runners of all abilities. Participants enjoy enthusiastic neighborhood support, a fast and scenic course through historic New Haven, and a festive post-race celebration on the New Haven Green. |
| Eversource Hartford Marathon & Half Marathon | Hartford, Connecticut | Saturday, October 10, 2026 Marathon & Half Marathon: 8:00 AM | https://www.hartfordmarathon.com | The Hartford Marathon is Connecticut’s premier marathon and one of New England’s largest fall running events. The Boston Marathon qualifying course begins in downtown Hartford and travels through the picturesque communities of West Hartford before returning to a memorable finish in Bushnell Park. The event is renowned for exceptional organization, energetic spectators, live entertainment, and outstanding volunteer support. Marathon, half marathon, and team relay options make this a destination race for runners of every experience level. |
| Niantic Bay Half Marathon & 5K | Niantic, Connecticut | Sunday, October 18, 2026 Half Marathon: 9:00 AM 5K: 9:15 AM | https://www.nianticbayhalf.org | The Niantic Bay Half Marathon has become one of Connecticut’s favorite autumn races thanks to its beautiful shoreline setting and welcoming community atmosphere. The course follows scenic roads along Long Island Sound, offering runners ocean views, charming New England neighborhoods, and colorful fall scenery. The relatively flat layout appeals to runners seeking a personal best while still enjoying a destination race experience. Excellent volunteer support, enthusiastic spectators, and a lively post-race celebration make this one of the state’s most highly regarded half marathons. |
Why these races are favorites among New England runners
- Faxon Law New Haven Road Race – A historic Labor Day tradition featuring one of the nation’s premier 20K races, plus a half marathon and 5K.
- Eversource Hartford Marathon – Connecticut’s signature marathon, known for outstanding organization, a Boston Qualifier course, and one of the largest fields in New England.
- Niantic Bay Half Marathon – A picturesque coastal race that combines Long Island Sound views, a fast course, and an outstanding runner experience.