Fall is actually a wonderful time to get in some refreshing runs, and fight the holiday pounds we all appreciate so much. Those rich, comfort foods entice us as the temperature drops and we search for a tasty way to warm our bodies.

Well, here’s a way to make room for more of those delectable pumpkin pies, sweet potato casseroles and hot chocolates topped with whipped cream. The local region offers many “trots” and races, for all types of runners wanting to fend off the pounds this season. Dig out your gloves and beenies for fall race season!

Girls on the Run 5K Fun Run

• Sunday, October 30, 2011 at 9:30am
• Truckee, CA (Truckee River View Sports Park)
• This family-friendly community event is a great fun run! All proceeds benefit Girls on the Run: a prevention program for young ladies ages 8-13. Through support in the local community, GOTR seeks to build confidence and self-esteem of women of the future.
• www.girlsontherunsierras.org/5k-fun-run

32nd Annual Apple Hill Harvest Run

• Sunday, November 6, 2011 at 8:25am
• Camino, CA (ParaVi Winery)
• Choose from three courses: 8.5 mile, 3.5 or a  .5mile Kids’ Fun Run. Dating back to 1979, the Apple Hill Harvest Run began as a way to prolong “tourist season” in Apple Hill, and now attracts more than 2,000 participants a year. All proceeds benefit local Camino schools, and a percentage goes toward the funding of two educational scholarships. Why not run around beautiful ParaVi Vineyard and benefit the education of local students?
• www.applehillrun.org

35th Annual Donner Lake Turkey Trot

• Sunday, November 13, 2011 at 9:30am
• Truckee, CA (Donner Lake West End Beach)
• This is a pleasurable run for the whole family to get ready for ski season! Adults and young adults can register for the full 7 miles around Donner Lake while the younger ones run the Mashed Potato Mile. You can’t beat the course at Donner Lake; fairly flat in elevation on the North Shore, although there are some shorter hills to tackle on the South Shore of Donner.
• www.truckeefunrun.com

Hosted by the Truckee Donner Chamber of Commerce, the Donner Party Hike returns for its 19th year on October 8th for a two day event – sure to be just as successful as the last. The goal is to highlight the area’s beauty, recreational sights and emigrant history.

If you are unfamiliar with the history of the Donner Party, here is a quick historic recap to bring you up to speed. On April 16, 1846 several families, in nine covered wagons, left Springfield, Illinois heading west to California. After a tragic, twisting series of events the Donner Party made their way to California and split into two camps for the winter of 1846-47. One group made it to the eastern end of Donner Lake, and another was unable to proceed beyond camp at Alder Creek. Unfortunately, they were one day shy of crossing Donner Summit to due to snow, and resorted to waiting the winter out at Donner; where grisly cannibalism occurred for survival. Although 46 members of the Donner Party survived, two-thirds were women, and the majority of men in the original group of families had perished.

Following are the hikes available for the choosing of event goers on Saturday:
• Dutch Flat Donner Lake Wagon Road 1913 Corridor Lincoln Highway: Pass petroglyphs, roadside billboards and the China Wall. Find out where and why these roads were built.
• Roller Pass: Hike up the Pacific Crest Trail and back to see views of Donner Pass, Coldstream Pass and Roller Pass where emigrants were forced to winch their wagons up a 35-degree granite slope.
• Roller Pass / Judah Loop: Enjoy the Roller Pass hike with an additional mile at the top to go around the Judah Loop and on to Donner Peak.
• Coldstream Pass: Hike over one of the most heavily traveled emigrant routes. The hike is strenuous, rising and descending over a minimum of 1800 vertical feet.
• High Sierra Lakes: Incredible vistas seen by emigrants as they passed through the High Sierra years ago. Discover hidden alpine lakes while exploring Donner Summit.
• Railroad Snowsheds: View the China Wall and go through several railroad tunnels with views of Donner Lake.

For further information and admission fees, contact Truckee Donner Chamber of Commerce.

Donner Lake Run is a 3.7 mile course at 6000′! The start and finish are located at Donner Lake on West End Beach in Truckee, CA. If the altitude or hilly south end of Donner Lake are too much for your lungs and legs to handle, at least you can take in the gorgeous view of the race course.

Participants receive entry fee for West End Beach, eco-friendly stainless steel water bottle, catered breakfast, raffles, and age division awards. Come for the run and festivities. The race is limited to the first 600 who pre-register.

Visit website and register now!