5K races near Orem

The Apple Harvest Run takes participants along packed dirt roads winding through apple and cherry orchards near Rowleys Red Barn in Santaquin, Utah. This autumn race offers 10K, 5K, and 1 Mile distances, accommodating both a short, family-friendly run and a longer excursion on farm roads. The event coincides with the local fall festival and Harvest Days, lending it a farm celebration atmosphere distinct from typical road races. The 1 Mile course is flat, featuring no elevation changes and no listed aid stations. With approximately 100 participants, the field is modest, and runners register individually. Post-race, participants can continue the harvest theme with a hay ride offered at the barn.

The Bear Canyon Trail Run takes place in Sandy, Utah, starting at 2860 Wasatch Blvd. This event supports cancer charities and offers three distances: a 5K, the 11-mile Bear Canyon Classic, and the 20-mile Bear Canyon Challenge. Held in October, the 11-mile loop is the primary attraction, featuring approximately 4,100 feet of elevation gain and steep descents. Participants seeking a greater challenge can opt to repeat the loop or choose the 20-mile option, which involves multiple circuits. The route crosses Sandy’s Hidden Valley Park, incorporating trails such as the Trail of the Eagle and the Cherry Canyon Logging Trail. Previously known as the Corner Canyon Ultra Trail Run, this race has a history despite its new name. The charitable aspect is significant, with proceeds benefiting a family in need and assisting cancer patients and their families. Dale Wayman, a 16-year-old diagnosed with HLH, a rare blood disorder, is a named recipient currently undergoing chemotherapy and treatment.

The Haunted race in Highland, Utah, starts from 4800 Knight Ave and offers four distance choices: 5K, 10K, half marathon, and marathon. The race begins at 8:30 AM. Packet pickup opens 30 minutes before the start and closes 10 minutes before runners depart. The 5K and 10K follow an out-and-back course; 5K runners complete it once, while 10K runners go out and back. The half marathon and marathon have a separate course. Parking is available near the start. All participants must register in advance on RunSignup, as no race-day registration is available.

The SoJo Halloween Fun Run 5K is a low-cost Halloween race in South Jordan, Utah, starting and finishing at Bingham Creek Regional Park. The 5K and ruck races begin in the morning, with a kids run following shortly after, allowing families to participate in a single outing rather than choosing between adult and children’s events. The event maintains a straightforward format: a 5K run, a ruck option for participants carrying weight, and a shorter kids run. Check-in and bib pickup are available before the races. Every entry includes a custom race medal, providing the same finish-line experience for kids run participants as for those in the longer events.

The Scarecrow 5K refers to a common name for small autumn races held in various communities. Examples include events in Hoschton, Georgia, and Washington Court House, Ohio, as well as a Scarecrow Classic in a historic New England town. The typical format involves a 5K run or walk, allowing participants to complete it at their own speed. These races are generally linked to local causes or festivals, rather than focusing on elite athletic performance. The most detailed course description is from Washington Court House, featuring the United Way Scarecrow 5K/10K. This race begins downtown, proceeds along the bike path towards Chrisman Park, and returns without any street running. The course is mostly flat. Awards are given to the top three male and female finishers in both the 5K and 10K. The event benefits the United Way of Fayette County, supporting local programs and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. In contrast, the New England Scarecrow Classic utilizes roads, fields, and trails, with proceeds benefiting the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust.

The Freaky 5K is an October 5K run/walk held at Pierce Park in Appleton. A Halloween-themed Mini Monster Dash for children takes place before the main 5K event. The 5K begins in the morning, utilizes chip timing, and offers categories for individual runners, youth runners, and family or group entries. The 5K course runs alongside the Fox River. The Mini Monster Dash is a half-mile loop on the Pierce Park trail, keeping children away from the road. Awards are given to the top overall male and female 5K finishers. All participants in both races receive custom medals. The park will feature children's games, a playground, refreshments for 5K runners, and assistance from Appleton YMCA volunteers.

The Vineyard City Blizzard 5K and Kids 1K is a community running event in Vineyard, Utah. It features a flat 5K course on city trails and a shorter 1K for children. The 5K is chip-timed, and the Kids 1K is untimed, accommodating runners seeking a time and families wanting a straightforward children's race. Strollers are permitted in both races. Parents or guardians accompanying a child in the 1K need only register the child.

The Gobbler 5K, 10K & 13.1M is a road race held in Highland, Utah, offering three distances that begin simultaneously at 8:30 AM. Participants must register in advance via RunSignup; race-day entry is not available. Packet pickup occurs in a brief window 30 minutes before the start, concluding 10 minutes prior to the gun. The 5K and 10K races share an out-and-back course, with 5K participants completing it once and 10K runners completing it twice. The half marathon follows a similar out-and-back format. Parking is located near the start, providing a straightforward option for those seeking a local race morning without the need for an elaborate expo or shuttle arrangements.

The Santaquin Blizzard 5K is a November 5K held at Hidden Orchards Event Venue in Santaquin, Utah. The race begins and ends at the venue. Check-in occurs in the morning prior to the 9 a.m. start. Runners access the venue from 400 E and 300 N. The route winds through an orchard with apple trees and offers mountain views. It is designed as a cold-weather, holiday-season run suitable for families, friends, solo runners, and competitive racers. Winter gear is recommended, and festive music will be played. Hot cocoa will be available at the finish, along with prizes for top finishers.

The SoJo Turkey Run is a Thanksgiving-season race day held at East Riverfront Park in South Jordan, Utah. Participants can select a 5K or 10K race. The Ruck category involves crossing the course on foot carrying a weighted backpack, and the Kids Run offers a shorter distance for children. The 5K, 10K, and Ruck all begin and end at East Riverfront Park. The 10K starts first, followed shortly by the 5K and Ruck. This event is an annual South Jordan tradition. Participants finishing the main categories get a race shirt and custom medal. Kids Run participants receive a custom medal, with or without a shirt.

The Cottonwood Heights Thanksgiving Day 5K begins at 7500 S 2700 E in Cottonwood Heights, Utah, on a Friday in late November. It offers separate divisions for runners aged 12 and older, youth runners 11 and younger, and Cottonwood Heights City employees. Cottonwood Heights City, Cottonwood Heights Parks and Recreation, and the Cottonwood Heights Parks and Recreation Foundation host the race. The event is in its 42nd year, establishing it as a community tradition. A virtual route tour allows runners to preview the 5K course beforehand. One dollar from each entry supports the Cottonwood Heights Parks & Recreation Foundation, a 501c3 organization dedicated to local parks, recreation facilities, programs, and services. Participants note it as an enjoyable run with family and friends before Thanksgiving festivities, suitable for both casual runners and those seeking a competitive effort.

The Utah Santa Run in Salem, Utah, near Payson, offers a 5K, a 1.55-mile run, and a virtual 5K. This event marks the last race in the Utah Santa Runs series. The in-person races commence in the late afternoon, coinciding with the illumination of Christmas lights around Salem Pond. The course is a loop around Salem Pond, featuring a newer path that crosses a bridge. All participants receive a Santa suit. Aid stations, staffed by volunteers in elf costumes, provide milk and cookies. The pond's floating Christmas light display is integrated into the route, making this a community run centered on the holiday atmosphere rather than a basic road race.