10 fun runs where you can get fit and have a blast in and around Sacramento

Summer is more than halfway behind us, and the promise of dropping temperatures means weather cool enough to run in the sun—and there are plenty of fun, themed runs around town to help you stay fit while having a great time. From crazy obstacle races to a doughnut-centric 5K and Oktoberfest-themed races for dogs, these 10 runs will keep you on your feet.

Race for the Arts
Aug. 23 Strap on your trainers at this 16th annual event benefiting local school programs, arts organizations and institutions. Talented performers from groups like the Sacramento Youth Symphony and El Dorado Musical Theatre will entertain participants along the 5K route in William Land Park, and youngsters can hit the ground running in quarter- and half-mile fun runs. The day will end on the right foot with a giveaway of specially designed Trumpette socks and a post-run festival with food trucks and educational booths from organizations like Monterey Bay Aquarium. $30 ($15 for kids). Race starts at 8:30 a.m. William Land Park. 3800 Land Park Dr. 492-8966. raceforthearts.com

Wake Island Mud Run
Aug. 23 Get ready to “mud for the cure” at this family-friendly, 5K obstacle race benefiting the Susan G. Komen Foundation, held at the 80-acre (including 30 acres of lakes) Wake Island Watersports complex. Throughout the course, runners must navigate through 15 different muddy obstacles, including a muddy tire run and crawling through giant muddy pipes. Afterwards, stick around for the free beach party, which will include volleyball, a blowup surf machine and live music, as well as food from the on-site Beach Hut Deli location. $45. Start times vary. Wake Island Watersports. 7633 Locust Rd. Pleasant Grove. 655-3900. wakeislandmudrun.com

ROC Race 5K
Sept. 6 Featured on CNN, in The Washington Post and other national news outlets, the untimed “Ridiculous Obstacle Challenge” features a dozen massive obstacles that “ROC Stars” must navigate through while completing a 5K course. Inspired by game shows like Wipeout and American Gladiators, obstacles include the World’s Largest Moon Bounce, the swinging Wrecking Ball and a series of giant, inflatable Jump Balls that participants must walk across. Costumes are encouraged, although brightly colored tutus and striped rainbow socks will also be available on-site. $67 until Aug 28. $72 until Sept. 5. $82 day of race. Race times vary. Cal Expo. 1600 Exposition Blvd. rocrace.com

Rock the ’80s
Sept. 21 Take yourself to Funkytown at this totally awesome 5K, 8-mile and 8-mile relay race, where neon legwarmers and scrunchies are encouraged. Rad '80s music will energize runners throughout the race, while finishers can wind down at a post-race bash with their '80s-themed medals—in 2013, medals were modeled after the ghosts from Pac-Man. Prices start at $33 ($14 for kids). Register by Sept. 20. Race starts at 8 a.m. Cosumnes Oaks High School. 8350 Lotz Pkwy. Elk Grove. 530-757-2012. changeofpace.com

Run Your Gourd Off 5K & Kids’ Race
Sept. 28 This farm-to-foot race takes runners through the scenic, dusty roads of Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm in Wheatland. The 5K course winds through cornfields, walnut orchards and pumpkin patches, while kids 12 and under who run the half-mile Pumpkin Dash will pass by the pumpkin patch and the flower gardens. After the run, pig races, hayrides and the children’s singer Darrell Haskins will provide even more autumnal amusement. $30 ($15 for kids). Race starts at 8:30 a.m. Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm. 1415 Pumpkin Ln. Wheatland. runyourgourdoff.com

Barktoberfest
Oct. 5 Every dog has its day at this Roseville 2.5/5K fun run and walk for dogs and “their well-behaved human companions.” Participants can sign up with up to two dogs or choose to run alone, and canine-centric activities following the race include games like the musical chairs-inspired “musical sit,” a dog-friendly photo booth and vendors including the Posh Puppy Boutique and Spot on Pet Portraits. For people, there will be an Oktoberfest costume contest (though pups can participate, too) and vendors including OMG! Yogurt and the Asian street food truck Slightly Skewed. $25 for adults ($15 for ages 13-17). Run starts at 9 a.m. Maidu Park. 1550 Maidu Dr. Roseville. 782-7722. placerspca.org

Oktobrewfest
Oct. 11 Dig up your lederhosen or dirndl for this nighttime 5K, 10K and kids’ half-mile race, where participants receive an Oktoberfest-inspired, multicolored finisher’s medal, which also functions as a bottle opener. A complimentary beer (or snow cone, for those under 21) is also included with registration and will be served up at the post-race “Brew-Ha-Ha,” which will also feature games, contests and live music. Prices start at $25 ($12 for kids). Race starts at 6 p.m. Community Park. 1405 F St. Davis. 530-757-2012. changeofpace.com

Disco Donut 5K
Oct. 11 Ahhhh, freak out! The first national stop of this groovy 5K, started by two Sacramento fitness and food enthusiasts, will hit town with plenty of ’70s music—and doughnuts. The untimed race starts with a warm-up “Hustle” dance and includes a YMCA dance station at Mile 1 and a doughnut-hole-eating contest at Mile 2, as well as plenty of disco music along the course. Registration includes a pair of colorful aviator sunglasses, but don’t forget your bellbottoms so you can participate in the costume contest. $39 until Aug. 30 ($49 after Aug. 30). Race starts at 9 a.m. Miller Park. 2710 Ramp Way. discodonut.com  

Capitol Apocalypse 5K
Oct. 18 When zombies attack, run for your life at the Capitol Apocalypse 5K at Miller Park. At this third annual race—whose proceeds will in part support the local chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society—each runner will be given three lives (represented by three red flags worn at the waist) and, while crawling under and scrambling over a series of obstacles, must evade zombies trying to snatch lives away throughout the course. After the race, join the Apocalypse Party featuring local rock band A Mile Till Dawn, food from late-night hot spot Ink Eats and Drinks and beer from Jack Rabbit Brewing. Runners: $50 in advance; $60 day of race. Zombies: $25 in advance; $35 the day of. 9 a.m. Miller Park. 2710 Ramp Way. 668-9776. capitolapocalypse5k.com

Neon Dash
Nov. 1 There will be bright lights in our big city during Neon Dash, a nighttime fun run with a 5K black-light-illuminated course dotted with “Glow Zones” where participants will be covered with bright neon-colored water and powder. After crossing the finish line, celebrate good times at the DJed “After Dash Bash” dance party where more glow water will be sprayed on the crowd. $25 until Oct. 30. $30 on Oct. 31. $40 the day of. 7 p.m. Cal Expo. 1600 Exposition Blvd. neondash.com