October arrives tomorrow, bringing shorter days, damper roads, and the unflinching dread of the clocks going back at the end of the month. But while the daylight fades, the local racing calendar is still thriving and there are plenty of chances to keep your mileage and motivation ticking over.
Unfortunately, many of Ulster’s most popular races this month have already sold out, a testament to the sheer popularity of running right now. But don’t despair, there are still a few start lines waiting for you this month.
🏁 Already Off the Cards
Some of October’s headline events have already hit capacity, a sure sign of just how strong the running community is across Ulster right now. If you missed out on these, take note for next year, entries disappear fast!
- Saintield Striders 5K & 10K – Sold out
- Central Run Together 5K & 10K – Sold out
- GR8 Dundrum Run – Sold out
- Groomsport 10K – Sold out
🏃♀️ Races You Actually Can Enter
If you’re keen to keep racing this October, there are still a few events across Ulster & Northern Ireland with space left, though some are filling fast. Here are a few to consider:
📅 Saturday, 4th October
- Armagh 10 Mile Road Race & 6K Fun Run – Enter Here
Navan Centre, Armagh – 10:00 a.m.
A long-standing favourite in the autumn calendar, this race offers both a challenging 10-mile route and a shorter 6K option. You’ll need to move quickly though, entries close tonight.
📅 Sunday, 5th October
- Donegal East Marathon Series – Enter Here
Balybofey, Donegal
A great option for anyone looking for variety, this event offers a three-quarter marathon, half marathon, and 13K mini marathon, all set in the scenic Donegal countryside. Perfect for testing your autumn fitness or Dublin Marathon prep. - Newcastle Way Half Marathon & Marathon – Enter Here
Newcastle, Co. Down
Organised by We Run Wild NI, this race starts in Newcastle town and winds through Tollymore Forest and Castlewellan Forest, combining forest trails with stunning views. One of the most scenic events of the month, and a great way to spend your Sunday outdoors.
📅 Saturday, 11th October
- Sky Run The Mournes – Enter Here
Mourne Mountains, Co. Down
Not for the faint-hearted, this mountain running event offers three distances: 12.5 miles, 22 miles, and a grueling 31-mile ultra. Expect breathtaking views, brutal climbs, and plenty of post-race bragging rights.
📅 Saturday, 11th October
- Montalto Night Endurance Challenge & 5K/10K Trail Races – Enter Here
Montalto Estate – starts 6:00 p.m.
For those who love running in the dark, this event offers something for everyone. Take on the Endurance Challenge with 3-hour, 6-hour, or for the brave, 12-hour options, or stick to the more manageable 5K and 10K trail races. A perfect mix of night-time adventure, beautiful trails, and testing your limits.
🎃 Spooky Running Events
October wouldn’t be complete without a few scary fun runs. So dust off your fangs and cape, because these Halloween-themed events bring plenty of atmosphere (and fancy dress) to the autumn calendar.
📅 Friday, 17th October
- Galloper Thompson Halloween 5K – Enter Here
7:30 p.m. – Grove Park, North Belfast
Kick off the spooky season in style with this festive 5K through North Belfast. Costumes are encouraged, the atmosphere is light-hearted, and it’s a great excuse to squeeze in some Friday night fun while earning your Halloween treats.
📅 Friday, 24th October
- Enniskillen Spooktacular 5K – Event Info
8:00 p.m. – Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh
One of the most popular Halloween races in the region, this night-time 5K sells out every year and this time was no exception. But there’s good news: a limited number of extra entries open on Friday, 3rd October at 7:00 p.m. Set a reminder, they’ll vanish faster than a ghost in the mist.
📅 Sunday, 26th October
- Halloween Blood Run (Stormont Estate, Belfast) – Enter Here
11:00 a.m.
Set on the scenic Stormont 5K parkrun course, this charity event raises funds for Leukaemia & Lymphoma NI. Expect two laps of spooktacular fun, a great cause, and maybe a few ghosts cheering you on from the sidelines. (It might clash with the Dublin Marathon, but for those staying local, it’s a brilliant morning option.)
So why not dig out the costume box, grab a head torch, and embrace Halloween!
🏁 And There You Have It
So as the evenings draw in and the rain starts to fall, remember that Nordie runners aren’t hibernating, we’re out pounding the leaf filled foothpaths, everywhere from city streets to mountain trails. So whatever you fancy, there’s a race out there to match your October mood.
Race Organisers, have we missed your event? Contact "runulster'' on instagram
Image: Enniskillen Spooktacular