The weather is finally great. So get outside and participate in one of the many fun runs this fall throughout metro Phoenix. You’ll get some exercise, help a charity and have a blast. Here’s a quick roundup of October’s fun runs and walks around the Valley, from events that support Girl Scout programs to breast-cancer research and more.
5K Thin Mint Sprint (Sat Oct 1). All ages. 5K Thin Mint Sprint or 1-mile Samoa Stroll. Proceeds benefit Girl Scout programs. 9am-noon. $36/person. Kiwanis Park, 5223 S Ash Ave, Tempe. 602-452-7003 or girlscoutsaz.org/en/activities/thin-mint-sprint.html.
AZ Cancer Village Fun Run (Sat Oct 1). All ages. 5K and 1-mile fun run and post-race expo with live music, vendors, food trucks and cancer resources. Proceeds benefit the Joy Bus, Singleton Moms and Don’t Be a Chump! Check for a Lump! 8:30am-noon. $15-$40. Steele Indian School Park, 300 E Indian School Rd. 480-818-5285 or azcancervillage.org.
Linda’s Wish 5K Walk/Run (Sat Oct 1). All ages. Breast-cancer fundraiser and wellness event that will benefit HonorHealth Breast Health & Research Center. 6:30am registration, 8am race begins. $30; $10 ages 12 and younger. Anthem Country Club, Persimmon Golf Course, 2708 W Anthem Country Club Dr, Anthem. 480-570-2615 or lindaswish.com.
Walk for Wishes (Sat Oct 1). 1-mile and 3K run/walk, activities and vendors. Proceeds benefit Make-A-Wish. 7:30am. Donations. Tempe Marketplace, 2000 E Rio Salado Pkwy, Tempe. arizona.wish.org.
Zoowalk for Autism Research (Sat Oct 1). All ages. Proceeds will benefit ASU’s Autism/Asperger’s Research Program. 6:30-11am. $25; $15 teens; free for ages 12 and younger; includes zoo admission. Phoenix Zoo, 455 N Galvin Pkwy. 480-831-2047 or zoowalk.org.
A Race for Maggie’s Place (Sun Oct 2). All ages. 10K race, 9K run (representing the months of pregnancy), 5K run/walk/stroller push, Diaper Dash and Kids Dash. Proceeds benefit Maggie’s Place. 7am races begin. Registration prices vary. Tempe Town Lake, Rio Salado Pkwy and Mill Ave, Tempe. 602-262-5555 or maggiesplace.org.
Walk for Hope (Sunday, Oct. 2) 5K breast cancer fundraiser celebrates its 20th anniversary. The walk starts and finishes at SRP, 1600 N. Priest Drive in Tempe, and winds through the Phoenix Zoo. Includes a partner fair and celebration at the zoo with sampling and giveaways. 6:30am registration, 8am walk. $40; $20 ages 3-12; free for ages 2 and younger; includes zoo admission. walkforhope.org.
Susan G Komen Race for the Cure (Sun Oct 9). All ages. 5K run/walk, 1-mile run/walk, activities, community booths and health information. 6:45am. Registration fees vary. Cesar Chavez Plaza, 201 W Washington St. 602-544-2873 or komencanaz.org.
Walk Now for Autism Speaks (Sun Oct 23). All ages. 5K walk, 1-mile family fun walk and community resource fair. Proceeds benefit autism research, awareness and outreach. 9:30am. Free; donations accepted. Tempe Beach Park, 80 W Rio Salado Pkwy, Tempe. 480-269-2724 or walknowforautismspeaks.org.
AIDS Walk Arizona & 5K Run (Sun Oct 23) Aunt Rita’s Foundation raises funds for local agencies that provide prevention information about and support for people living with HIV/AIDS. Open to people of all ages and well-behaved dogs. Free for kids younger than 12, but they must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Entertainment, T-shirts, food trucks and beer garden. 7am registration, 9am 5K run, 9:30am walk. Downtown Phoenix. 602-904-6001 or aidswalkaz.org.
Walk to Defeat ALS (Sat Oct 29). All ages. Walk to benefit the ALS Association Arizona Chapter. Route is accessible to strollers and wheelchairs. 8am registration; 9am walk. Donations requested. Scottsdale Stadium, 7408 E Osborn Rd, Scottsdale. alsaz.org.
