September means one thing for runners across the Ozarks: fall racing season is here.
After months of summer heat and humidity, September brings cooler mornings, packed race calendars and plenty of reasons to get back to the starting line. Whether you're chasing a new 5K personal best, looking for a family-friendly event or simply searching for your next race in Southwest Missouri, September offers several opportunities to get moving.
ActNow Racing's September 2026 calendar features events in Springfield, Seymour, Ozark and Billings, Missouri, giving runners throughout the region plenty of choices.
Here are the September events to put on your calendar.
September 5 — Breakthrough T1D Ride | Springfield, Missouri
September gets rolling with the Breakthrough T1D Ride at Moon Town Crossing in Springfield.
Beginning at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 5, the ride gives cyclists an opportunity to start the month with an active morning while supporting an event centered around the T1D community.
For runners looking specifically for a 5K, there's another event happening in Springfield just 30 minutes later.
September 5 — Prime 5K | Springfield, Missouri
Also on Saturday, September 5, the Prime 5K begins at 8:00 a.m. at Prime in Springfield.
The Prime 5K is an employee and family event, making it a little different from the typical open-registration road race. It's another example of how local running events can bring workplaces, families and communities together through fitness.
September 5 makes for a busy opening weekend to the fall event season in Springfield.
September 12 — 22nd Annual Seymour Apple Festival 5K | Seymour, Missouri
Few things say fall in the Ozarks quite like running a 5K and then spending the day at a hometown festival.
The 22nd Annual Seymour Apple Festival 5K takes place Saturday, September 12 at 7:30 a.m., starting from the Price Cutter parking lot in Seymour.
The race has become a tradition of its own and is held alongside the annual Seymour Apple Festival, which attracts thousands of visitors to the community. After crossing the finish line, runners can stick around for a full day of festival activities, vendors, entertainment and more.
Even better, race participation supports a local cause: proceeds from the 5K benefit the Seymour High School Athletic Department.
Awards are scheduled for the overall male and female winners, masters winners and the top three male and female finishers across multiple age divisions.
For runners searching for a September 5K in Southwest Missouri that combines racing with a full community festival experience, Seymour deserves a spot on the calendar.
September 12 — Harvest Hustle 5K & 1 Mile | Ozark, Missouri
You don't have to travel far from Springfield for another September race.
The Harvest Hustle 5K and 1 Mile takes place Saturday, September 12 at the Ozark Community Center in Ozark, Missouri.
The event begins at 8:30 a.m. and includes both a 5K run/walk and a 1-mile option, making it a good choice for runners and walkers with different experience levels.
Participants can enjoy a fall morning of running followed by coffee and post-race treats. Finisher medals add another reason to celebrate at the finish line.
For families, beginning runners or anyone who isn't quite ready to tackle a full 5K, the 1-mile event provides an opportunity to be part of race morning without covering 3.1 miles.
September 19 — Butterflies & Blueberries 5K & 1 Mile | Billings, Missouri
September racing wraps up with one of the most unique settings on the ActNow Racing calendar.
The Butterflies & Blueberries 5K & 1 Mile is scheduled for Saturday, September 19 at 8:00 a.m. at Burton's Farm in Billings, Missouri.
Instead of city streets and downtown buildings, runners get a race experience built around the atmosphere of a local farm.
With both a 5K and 1-mile distance, Butterflies & Blueberries gives experienced runners, beginners, walkers and families an opportunity to participate.
It's also a great example of what makes running in Southwest Missouri special. Not every race needs thousands of participants or a major-city course. Sometimes the most memorable starting lines are found in the smaller communities and unique locations that make the Ozarks home.
Make September Your Month to Race
Whether you're looking for a competitive 5K, a first race, a family activity or simply another reason to enjoy a fall morning outdoors, September is a great time to get involved in the Southwest Missouri running community.
And you don't have to be fast to belong at the starting line.
Walk the mile. Run your first 5K. Chase a PR. Bring the family. Support a local organization. Or simply show up and experience race morning.
Every finish line starts with deciding to participate.
September 2026 Events at a Glance
September 5
Breakthrough T1D Ride — Springfield, MO — 7:30 a.m.
September 5
Prime 5K — Springfield, MO — 8:00 a.m.
September 12
22nd Annual Seymour Apple Festival 5K — Seymour, MO — 7:30 a.m.
September 12
Harvest Hustle 5K & 1 Mile — Ozark, MO — 8:30 a.m.
September 19
Butterflies & Blueberries 5K & 1 Mile — Billings, MO — 8:00 a.m.
Find Your Next Southwest Missouri Race
September is only the beginning of the fall racing season.
From 5Ks and 10Ks to fun runs, holiday races and community events, there are more starting lines ahead throughout the Ozarks.
Visit ActNowRacing.com to explore upcoming events, race information, registration and results—and find your next starting line.