October 2026
It's the Keep Running Month of October
Great job to everyone who participated in one of the recent Community First Fox Cities Marathon events! And to all the supporters who came out to cheer for and encourage everyone. Saw a lot of great efforts out there, the PR bell at the finish line seemed to be ringing continuously, and everyone appeared to be enjoying themselves on a beautiful day for a run.
This a good time to keep it going with our running. We have built up a good base and maintaining that is a worthy pursuit. And with the heat of summer over, October runs are very pleasant. Here are some opportunities to run/walk with the Pacesetters group:
ST JOE'S FOOD PROGRAM 5k/10k: This event is right around the corner, Saturday October 3rd, 8:00 am. The Pacesetters Running Club has sponsored this event for 31 years and has raised over $115,000 for the pantry.
There will be the option of completing either a 5k or 10k distance, and there will also be a kids run, as well as fun kids activities. Bring the whole family and have fun with this. For more information and a registration link, click here.
FUN RUNS ... Last 2 of 2026!
Wednesday October 14, 6:00 pm, Harley Davidson (new building on east side of McCarthy, just south of Hwy 15/OO/W. Northland Ave. Look for the door lettered "I" on the north side facing Hwy 15. There will be maps for your choice of a 5k or 10k route. We will also have a short run in the parking lot for any interested kids or grandkids. Please bring them out, and invite the neighbors to come bring their kids. These could become our next generation of Pacesetters!
Wear costumes, adults and kids alike, and have some fun with this one ... then let's eat tacos!! Along with chips and salsa. And, here is a heart warming activity for this Fun Run. We encourage you to bring a loved one’s photo and place it at a little altar we will have, then bring a favorite food that you previously shared with that person as a memory. This way everybody can have a taste of that food and share in your special connection. Or, bring a side dish of your choice. We will also have an awesome dessert from Frio Mexican Treats, one of our local ice cream parlors.
Wednesday, November 11, 6:00 pm, Lion's Tail Brewing, 116 South Commercial St., downtown Neenah. This will include runners from the Neenah running club.
Here is where you can find the 5k and 10k routes for these runs.
SATURDAY 8 AM RUNS
Now that the 2026 Fox Cities Marathon has been completed, our Saturday morning training runs at Telulah Park are over and our weekly runs have moved to the Copper Rock coffee shop on College Avenue, downtown Appleton, at 8:00 am. These runs will happen every Saturday from now until Memorial Day weekend. The full route is close to 11 miles, but there are options to shorten the loop to other distances. Water is provided at about mile 4.5. Then bring some cash and come on in and join us for coffee, pastries, and friendly conversations afterwards.
What Does October Running Mean To You?
As said in the lead article here, for many, October is a month to keep your running going. Maybe a slight recovery and reset, but then a time to keep up that mileage base that you've built up over the summer.
And did you know that October is widely considered the peak month for running history and racing milestones globally? Because of the ideal autumn weather in the Northern Hemisphere, October hosts several of the world’s most prestigious World Marathon Majors, historic race adjustments, and legendary world records.
The Chicago Marathon takes place in October, and the NYC Marathon soon after that. If you need some laughs watch this short video where standup comedian Jim Gaffigan talks about what running a marathon means to him.
Pacesetters Christmas Party
Stay tuned for announcements regarding our upcoming Pacesetters club Christmas Party. A time for celebration every December amongst fellow runners, walkers, and significant others, with drinks, dinner, a short program, and loads of prize giveaways. All for a nominal price.
Protein Energy Bites Treats - October
If you like all things Pumpkin and Chocolate Chip, you will love these easy, no-bake Pumpkin Energy Bites. They only take a few minutes to make and are the perfect healthy treat for fall!.
Ingredients:
• 1 1/4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
• a pinch of sea salt
• 1/2 cup creamy almond butter
• 1/4 cup pumpkin
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the oats, flaxseed, chia seeds, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. With the paddle attachment, mix on low until ingredients are combined.
Next, add the almond butter, pumpkin, honey, chocolate chips and vanilla. Mix until the ingredients come together.
Then, do not preheat the oven. And do not bake. Just enjoy!