Image: iStock.com / CentralITAlliance

Autumn is a favourite season for many runners, and for good reason. The air is cooler, the trails are full of colour, and race season is in full swing. Whether you’re getting back into a routine after summer or gearing up for a goal event, there’s something about autumn running that feels fresh, motivating and just a little bit magical. Here are a few of the reasons we love it.

1. Cooler weather

Autumn provides great weather for running. It’s warm enough that you don’t need to pile on the layers, but cool enough that you don’t need to worry quite as much about over-heating or hydration. This makes it so much easier to get up and out.

Even the most staunch summer running supporters will appreciate how much easier it is to hit your goal paces once the temperature dips. Heat makes us feel as though we’re working much harder. You may find that you now have more energy for threshold training or to tackle a longer distance.

2. Race inspiration

From the Great North Run to the New York Marathon and Royal Parks Half Marathon, there are some really great races during the autumn months. You may not have gained a place yourself, but just seeing footage of these big autumn races is enough to inspire any runner.

There are some great autumn half marathons around with spaces still available.

3. Trails come into their own

The most hard-hearted road runner has to admit there’s a certain romance about trail running in the autumn. With the glorious glowing colours of the trees, shiny conkers gleaming on the ground, and the crunch of leaves underfoot, it’s the perfect time to get back to nature. Make sure you wear the right trail running shoes though – it can get a bit slippy at this time of year!

4. Sunrise runs

In summer, sunrise is reserved for only the most hardcore among us. We all love the dawn chorus but getting out of bed at 4am is a bit much. For your more standard 6am or 7am starter, autumn offers the chance to see the magic of the sun rising through the mist. Or, more realistically, trying to shine through the cloud.

5. Training focus

If you’re anything like us on Team WR, your summer is a whirlwind of social occasions, trips and/or childcare. Autumn usually offers a slightly slower pace of life as we get back into normal routine. This means that we have a bit more time for our running routine.

It’s a great time to start a training plan or build some regular treadmill training into your week if you have any running goals in mind. If you’re planning to do a spring marathon, now is the time to focus on building a solid base with a base training plan.

6. Gorgeous new kit

The weather changing is the perfect excuse to get some new running kit, or at least to rediscover a few old favourites in the bottom of the gear drawer. Maybe a new base layer to keep you warm during those chillier mornings.

It’s also a great time to start planning your Christmas list. This year, the top of our list is a new running jacket that will take us all the way through to spring.

7. Warming ‘recovery’ food

It’s never easy to haul yourself out for a run on colder days or when an inevitable seasonal downpour catches you at the end of your road. But this does mean you can look forward to the best bit of autumn running: getting warm again!

Warm up with a hearty casserole, a sweet apple crumble or a gorgeous milky hot chocolate after your run. All proven* to be excellent recovery foods! (*by the WR team)