10K races near Ridgeside

Tails, Trails, and Ales is a dog-friendly trail race day at Reflection Riding in Chattanooga, Tennessee, scheduled for the fall. Participants can choose from a 1-mile Pup Dash, a 5K, or a 10K, with timed and untimed options for those seeking a race effort or a relaxed trail outing with their dog. The event is designed for one dog per person, and all dogs must remain on a 6-foot leash. The race features dog-friendly aid stations, on-site veterinary and first-aid support, finisher awards for humans, pup bandanas, local craft beer, food from breweries and food trucks, pet-friendly vendors, and an option to support a local animal rescue or shelter. Nooga Paws, Bad Beard Events, and Reflection Riding are the hosts, with an anticipated field of approximately 200 human participants and their dogs.

The Lula Lake Trail Blazer is a trail-running race series held on Lula Lake Land Trust property, spanning Lookout Mountain. Established in 2019, it provides 10K, half marathon, and 50K distances for participants seeking dirt paths, ascents, and marked singletrack over a road-race format. The routes incorporate Lula Lake trail systems connected to over 40 miles of trails constructed by the land trust, featuring the Moonshine trails, Cloudland Connector Trail, and Durham Mine Trails. Proceeds from entry fees support trail upkeep, new trail development, and the land trust’s conservation efforts. The event also includes food, beverages, live music, a Friday campout with a bonfire and headlamp warm-up run, and a 21-and-over beer mile consisting of four beers and four laps on a gravel-road circuit.

The River Gorge Trail Race is a 6-mile point-to-point run near Fayetteville, West Virginia, crossing from one rim of the New River Gorge to the other. Participants begin on the south side of the gorge via Fayette Station Road, descending approximately 800 feet to the river, crossing it, and then ascending roughly 800 feet up the opposing side. The course is primarily on closed roads, with a brief trail section near the finish. Walkers are welcome if they can maintain a 20-minute-mile pace. The path utilizes Burma Road and Ames Heights Road. The steepest ascent reaches a 20% grade, a section the organizers refer to as the “Burma Burn.” Race day commences at Adventures on the Gorge, with check-in followed by a bus transfer to the starting point. The finish line is situated at the resort’s rim-side pool, offering finish-line photos and a post-race brunch with views of the gorge. Active Southern West Virginia organizes the event, with funds benefiting its free community physical activity programs.

The Chattanooga Hungry Turkey is a late-November race in Chattanooga, Tennessee, designed around the post-Thanksgiving concept of running off the holiday meal. It provides a half marathon, 10K, and 5K. The 5K is open to both runners and walkers. The race is centered at Coolidge Park, with the start and finish located on Tremont Street in front of the Chattanooga Theatre. Participants select from three distinct routes, featuring aid stations and restrooms approximately every 1.5 miles. The event accommodates families and adults seeking a longer run. Children 11 and under may participate in the 5K Kids Division Fun Run, receiving an untimed bib and a finisher medal. Post-race traditions are straightforward and food-focused, including a fresh donut and a long-sleeve technical shirt for registrants, along with a medal for all finishers.

Holiday Hustle is a December running event in Dexter, Michigan, featuring a holiday-night 5K, a 1-mile dash, and longer distances within the same festive setting. The short course winds through neighborhood light displays, offering a relaxed route focused on holiday decorations instead of a typical road race. The half marathon and 13.1-mile relay begin and end at Erratic Ale Co., proceeding along the B2B trail through Hudson Mills before returning. Participants finish near a fire pit, with post-race snacks, medals, chip timing, official results, age-group awards, and the option for a drink afterward. The event also supports a charitable cause, aligning with the holiday spirit without a formal or exclusive atmosphere.