Fall road races in the Boston area

[Photo by Dina Rudick/Globe Staff]

There is something about the crisp, fall air that always makes me want to lace up my running shoes and hit the trails. Maybe it's some latent memory of cross country in high school, or perhaps it's just finally cool enough to be outside without risking heatstroke. Either way, hit the streets this fall at one of these local road races were you can plod along with the best of them (or cheer from the sidelines, if running isn't your thing).

Oct. 23: B.A.A. Mayor's Cup Cross Country in Boston
Give your knees a break from all the sidewalk running. Take to the trails at Franklin Park and relive those high school cross country days. www.baa.org

Oct. 23: Easy as Pi 5K in Pawtucket
This 3.14 mile race (Easy as Pi, get it?) rewards all finishers with — you guessed it — pie. www.woodardcurranfoundation.org

Oct. 29: The Devil's Chase 6.66 Miler in Salem
Running never seemed so spooky. Get in the spirit of the season on this 6.66 mile course in Salem, where participants dress in red, don devil's horns, and various other Halloween costumes. Watch a video of last year's race. www.bnsfitness.com

Oct. 30: Superhero 5K in Cambridge
Cape? Check. Spandex? Check. Superpower? We're working on it. Get in on the fun at this annual event where runners are encouraged to don their best crime-fighting garb and dress as their favorite superhero. www.have2run.com

Oct. 30: Bill's Pizzeria 5K in Newton
Upon crossing the finish line after this primarily flat course, runners are invited to gorge on pizza at Bill's Pizzeria in Newton Center. All proceeds from the race will benefit the Travis Roy Foundation. www.fattmanproductions.com

Nov. 6: Doggy 5K Run/Walk in Boston
Hit the street with Fido in tow at this 5K race on Castle Island that welcomes runners and their pets to trot along side by side. Race organizers highly advise owners to train with their pets prior to the race and to be cognizant of their pet's limitations. www.runagainstcancer.com

Nov. 6: 5K Run to Prevent Child Abuse in Boston
Organized by the Northeastern University chapter of the Sigma Delta Tau sorority, this charity run takes off from the Hatch Shell and continues along the Esplanade. www.sigmadeltatau.neu.edu

Nov. 12: Get Your Rear in Gear 5K in Boston
This is the first year for this race, held at Castle Island to benefit colon cancer research and awareness. www.getyourrearingear.com

Are you planning to run any road races this fall? Let us know using the comments section below and search for more upcoming running events here.