The Zilker Relays Kicks of Fall racing in Austin on September 9.

Hard to believe when 100-degree heat rules the day that it’s time to start thinking about fall events. Top of the list is the Zilker Relays, set for Friday, September 9 at 6:30 p.m. The annual event serves as a great end-of-summer get together for the Austin running community and with the music and refreshments is a longtime favorite. It’s a 10-mile relay with teams comprised of four runners. Each runner does a 2.5-mile loop around Zilker park.

It’s hard to beat the Gruene 5K/10K for an old central Texas favorite. The race starts at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 10 in front of historic Gruene Hall, crosses the Guadalupe River on the way out and the way back while running on a rolling course through the beautiful neighborhoods. Post-race festivities feature food, music and…beer!

Head south on Saturday, September 17 for the Jaguar Jog 5K/10K. The race starts at 8:00 a.m. at the Moe and Gene Johnson High School in Buda. Both the 5K and 10K are out-and-back courses starting and finishing on the Johnson High School Campus.  The 10K Course exits out the north of the property to the Elliott Ranch neighborhood, then heads back to the school. The 5K turns around at the gate and heads back.

The 9/11 Heroes Run 5K takes place on a relatively flat course at Austin’s Camp Mabry on Sunday, September 18 at 9:00 a.m. The race unites communities with the goal to never forget the sacrifices of the heroes of September 11th and the wars since: veteran, first responder, civilian and military.

It’s good to see more 10K options at hand, and the Livestrong 5K/10K shouldn’t disappoint. The event, set for Saturday September 18 (check website for start time). You’ll start at Auditorium Shores and run around the historic “Dog Pound Loop” once for the 5K and twice for the 10K.

The DeerPark Ranger Run 5K is known as an “easy” course. The event is set for Saturday, September 24 at 9:00 a.m. at Rattan Creek Park Community Center in North Austin.

Upcoming Races: Saturday, August 20 at 8:00 a.m., the Love & Peace” Rattler Run 5K at San Marcos High School. Saturday, August 27  at 7:30 a.m., Beat The Heat 5K at Mary Kyle Hartson Park.