Race calendar · September 2026
825 5K races across the US in September 2026, sorted by date. Which weekends are busiest, what the fields actually run, entry fees, and where each one starts.
825 5K races in September 2026
What the field actually runs
How we calculate these stats: RunSesh calculates these figures from the most recent published results of past editions, sourced from RunSignup. We show aggregates only: field size, winning and median times, and the cutoff. We never publish individual finisher tables. Last updated Sep 22, 2026.
By the numbers
The September 5K races that stand out on the numbers: the biggest field, and the longest unbroken run of editions.
It is one of the busier months. September carries 825 5K races, against 3,345 in October, which is the fullest month of the year. There is a real choice of dates here, with less competition for entries than the peak of the season.
The busiest weekend is September 26 and September 27, with 774 5K races on those two days, and the single busiest day is Saturday, September 26 with 581. Another 51 fall on a weekday, which is worth knowing if you are traveling for one.
As early as you can. 129 of these September 5K races already have a price increase on the calendar, and 720 are open for entry right now. Another 83 have published an opening date and have not opened yet.
The typical entry is $30, with paid entries running from $1 up to $500, and 41 that are free to enter. Entry fees climb as race day gets closer, so the same race is usually cheapest the week it opens.
Across the 351 of these September 5K races with published results from past editions, the median finisher ran 34:07, and the median winning time was 18:57. So anything under 34:07 puts you in the faster half of a typical field. That is the middle of these RunSignup fields, walkers and charity entrants included, not a national average.
The median one finished 107 runners, across the 351 of these September 5K races with published results from past editions. Most are far smaller than the big-city events people picture, which means less crowding at the start and a friendlier field, with a last recorded finisher at 1:02:38.
Ohio has 53, Texas has 51, Michigan has 45, Florida has 42, California has 39. If you are willing to travel, those are the states where a September weekend gives you the most to choose from.
Yes, 62 races around the United States get you off the pavement: 33 are trail races, and 29 mix road and trail. Surfaces are not always published, so it is worth checking a specific race before you register.
August and October sit either side of September, which is where most people look next when a date does not fit.
