You can wear a costume and maybe even get half-dozen doughnuts! No, we’re not Trick-or-Treating early this year! It’s running season in South Florida! And as the weather begins to cool, “half-marathon season” heats up. Find out why race directors across the area are saying they are continuing to see an increase in the number of runners for the 13.1-mile races…

Overall, it appears the half-marathon distance is increasing in popularity because of it’s accessibility to a broad audience. With a little bit of training, almost anyone can walk or jog this middle distance. The trend is seeing a lot of 5K runners moving up to the longer distance as the 13.1 miles are still an achievable, realistic goal for many runners, as opposed to the more grueling full marathon. In addition, running, though always considered an individual sport, has also become more social, with people running in groups and participating in races for charities.

The season's first event will take place Saturday, Oct. 25, with the Miami Beach Halloween Half Marathon. About 1,600 people are expected to participate - many in costume! - showing an overall increase of 1,300 over last year’s race. The more casual atmosphere of the costumed run seems to foster a good time, with family and friends of the runners coming out to enjoy it, as well.

There’s also been an increase in race amenities. Everyone gets a finisher's medal and many races even feature a treat for each finisher, like a half-dozen Krispy Kreme doughnuts! We think that would motivate us to finish!

Here is a list of the upcoming Half-Marathon Races throughout South Florida:

Miami Beach Halloween Half Marathon and Freaky 4-Miler, 7 a.m. Oct. 25, Jungle Island, Miami; http://halloweenhalfmarathon.com/ or 561-241-3801

Sun Capital Partners Half Marathon and 5K, 6:30 a.m. Nov. 2, Spanish River Park, Boca Raton; RunnersEdgeBoca.com or 561-361-1950

Michelob Ultra 13.1 Marathon Fort Lauderdale and 5K, 6:35 a.m. Nov. 9, Southwest First Avenue and Southwest Second Street, Fort Lauderdale; 131Marathon.com or 305-278-8668

Palm Beach Marathon and Run Fest, 6:30 a.m. Dec. 7, downtown West Palm Beach; RunPalmBeaches.com or 561-833-3711

Run for Tomorrow Half-Marathon, 5K and 1-mile Family Walk, 6:20 a.m. Dec. 14, Weston Town Center; WestonRotary.com

A1A Marathon, Half Marathon and Kids' 1.2-mile Run, 6 a.m. Feb. 21, Fort Lauderdale Beach; A1AMarathon.com or 561-241-3801

So get out there and run! And if you need a little help getting started, check out this great post: http://www.halfmarathons.net/first-timers-guide-to-running-a-half-marathon/