LIST: El Paso 5Ks, Charity Runs & Walks Happening This Fall

It is safe to say that run clubs in El Paso have become the latest way for people to get some exercise, meet new people and find a community!

But you don't have to be part of an official run club to lace up those running shoes. The Borderland has plenty of races, charity walks and fun runs coming up through the end of October.

Whether you're chasing a new personal record, looking for a fun way to get active with friends or simply want to walk for a good cause, there's probably an event for you. (And don't worry, my fellow non-runners. A lot of these events include walking options, too!)

UMC ¡Salud! To Better Health 5K

Saturday, September 26 | 8 a.m.
UMC Northeast, 9839 Kenworthy St., El Paso, TX

Kick off the weekend with a run for a cause. UMC's ¡Salud! To Better Health event includes a competitive 5K, one-mile event and Kids Dash.

Proceeds from the event benefit breast cancer awareness and the Sobreviviendo el Cáncer Fund. The 5K begins promptly at 8 a.m., and organizers say there will be no race-day registration.

Chile Pepper Challenge Charity Ride & 5K Walk/Run

Sunday, September 27 | 5K begins at 9 a.m.
Grace Gardens, 6709 Westside Dr., El Paso, TX 79932

You don't need a bike to take part in the Chile Pepper Challenge. The annual event hosted by the El Paso Bicycle Club includes several cycling distances as well as a 5K walk/run.

The 5K starts at 9 a.m., while the cycling events begin earlier in the morning. Proceeds benefit the Alzheimer's Association, so participants can get moving while supporting an important cause.

Royal Run for Hope

Sunday, September 27 | Kids Dash at 7:30 a.m.; 5K & 1-Mile Walk at 8 a.m.
Casa Buick GMC, 6800 Montana Ave., El Paso, TX 79925

The Royal Run for Hope is celebrating its 15th anniversary with a 5K, one-mile walk and a new half-mile Kids Dash for children 9 and younger.

Even better, 100% of proceeds stay in El Paso to help local children battling cancer. The Kids Dash starts at 7:30 a.m., followed by the 5K and one-mile walk at 8 a.m.

11th Annual Walk/Run for Kids

Saturday, October 3 | 5K at 7:30 a.m.; Walk at 8:15 a.m.
Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino, 1200 Futurity Dr., Sunland Park, NM 88063

Just across the state line, the Ronald McDonald House Charities of El Paso is bringing back its annual Walk/Run for Kids.

Participants can choose between a 5K run and a one-mile fun walk, and there's also a virtual option. Proceeds benefit seriously ill children and their families staying at the Ronald McDonald House of El Paso while receiving medical treatment in El Paso or Las Cruces.

16th Annual Down Syndrome Coalition for El Paso Buddy Walk

Saturday, October 3 | Event begins at 9 a.m.; Walk begins at 10 a.m.
EPCC Valle Verde Campus, 919 Hunter Dr., El Paso, TX 79915

Grab your walking shoes and your favorite people because the Down Syndrome Coalition for El Paso is bringing back its annual Buddy Walk!

The 16th Annual Buddy Walk takes over El Paso Community College's Valle Verde Campus on Saturday, October 3. The event begins at 9 a.m., with the official walk kicking off at 10 a.m.

The Buddy Walk is part of a national program established by the National Down Syndrome Society to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. Here in El Paso, the event also helps the Down Syndrome Coalition for El Paso raise funds to continue providing education, advocacy and support for local individuals with Down syndrome and their families.

Participants can walk with a team or come out solo, and the fun doesn't stop at the finish line. The event will also feature music, dancing, vendors and local nonprofit organizations.

Junior Leadership Run 5K

Saturday, October 3 | 8 a.m.
DeadBeach Brewery, 3200 Durazno Ave., El Paso, TX 79905

Another October 3 option is the Junior Leadership Run 5K presented by Pointe Homes.

The run supports efforts to revive Junior Leadership El Paso, a youth leadership development program designed to connect local high school students with mentorship, civic leaders and opportunities to learn about industries throughout the community.

There's a 5K as well as a Kids Dash, making this another family-friendly option.

El Paso Runners Foundation 10K

Sunday, October 4 | 8 a.m.
Braden Aboud Memorial Park, 4325 Riverbend Dr., El Paso, TX 79922

Want to graduate from a 5K to something a little longer? The third annual El Paso Runners Foundation 10K is another chance to join the local running community.

The race begins at 8 a.m. at Braden Aboud Memorial Park. Proceeds benefit the El Paso Runners Foundation, a nonprofit that uses its races to support local organizations and build El Paso's running community.

Get Your Rear in Gear – El Paso

Sunday, October 4 | Kids Run at 7:40 a.m.; 5K at 8 a.m.
Ascarate Park, 6900 Delta Dr., El Paso, TX 79905

Get Your Rear in Gear is a 5K run/walk benefiting the Colon Cancer Coalition. The morning begins with an opening ceremony at 7:30 a.m., followed by a Kids Fun Run at 7:40 and the timed 5K run and untimed walk at 8 a.m.

Funds raised through the event help support colon cancer screening, education, patient assistance and research.

3rd Annual Changing Lives in the 915 Sunset Run

Saturday, October 10 | 5:30 p.m.
The Elmont, 240 W. Castellano Dr., Suite B, El Paso, TX 79912

Not a morning person? Finally, a race that understands you.

Rudolph Helping Hands is switching things up for its third annual Changing Lives in the 915 event with a Sunset Run experience.

The 5K and one-mile walk begin at 5:30 p.m. at The Elmont, followed by live music, entertainment and an after-party. This year's beneficiary is Apple Tree Creative Center.

34th Annual Physical Therapy Fun Run, Walk & Roll

Sunday, October 25 | Race begins at 8:30 a.m.
Ascarate Park, 6900 Delta Dr., El Paso, TX 79905

Run, walk or roll your way through one of El Paso's longest-running fitness fundraisers.

The Greater El Paso Physical Therapy District's annual event includes 5K and one-mile distances and welcomes runners, walkers and wheelchair participants.

Check-in runs from 7 to 7:45 a.m., followed by a costume contest and an 8:30 a.m. race start. Fundraising proceeds benefit local nonprofit organizations, including El Paso's United Spinal Association and the Greater El Paso Physical Therapy District, as well as local physical therapy and physical therapist assistant students.

Día de los Muertos 5K Run/1-Mile Walk & Health Expo

Saturday, October 31 | Run/Walk at 8:10 a.m.
Socorro ISD Student Activities Complex, 1300 Joe Battle Blvd., El Paso, TX 79928

Want to start Halloween morning with some miles? Socorro ISD and Aetna are hosting their fourth annual Día de los Muertos 5K Run/1-Mile Walk and Health Expo.

Participant check-in begins at 7 a.m., followed by a warm-up at 8 a.m. and the run/walk at 8:10 a.m. A health expo follows from 8:30 to 11 a.m.

Bonus: The event is free and family-friendly. Organizers note that this is not a timed competitive race.

Día de los Muertos 5K at Album Park

Saturday, October 31 | 1:30 p.m.
Eastwood/Album Park, 3110 Parkwood St., El Paso, TX 79925

If one Halloween run isn't enough, there's another one later that afternoon.

The inaugural Día de los Muertos 5K presented by Flowar will take place in partnership with the 41st Annual KLAQ Halloween Parade.

Runners, walkers, families and first-timers are welcome, and costumes are encouraged. Participants can also run in memory of someone they love and add that person's name to their race bib. The event begins at 1:30 p.m., giving participants plenty of time to finish the race and stick around for the Halloween parade.