site event 🍃The Running of the Leaves (2025) Race Event!

[Samurai Equine]

As Samurai looks for trees to knock down and clear of leaves, he can't help but notice that @PrincessPriscillaPT Priscilla and @Dusk Haven Dusk are both alicorns. "Hmm... Do we have royalty in this race?" Samurai asks himself.

He looks over at @liujiadong Sunshine and nods encouragingly. "I guess the rain doesn't bother you anyways. For me, it hurts, but I'm not letting it stop me!"

[Wizard 1,759]

On 2025-09-02 at 5:45 PM, Moonlight Wane said:

@Dynamo Pad

Moonlight arrives at the gathering place and looks at the sky with concern. "Hey, Dyny," he says as he approaches the blue unicorn. "What's with the weather? It's not gonna be raining, is it?"

@Wizard

"Hey, Titanium!" He walks up to the mare and gives her a hug. "Glad you're here! I was worried you would be busy with art and stuff, and I wouldn't have a chance to outrun you this year!"

Titanium hugs @Nitobit back and chuckles "I wouldn't miss the chance to defend my title!"
 

On 2025-09-03 at 11:33 PM, Dynamo Pad said:

As a voice reached his ears, Dynamo's ears perked as he heard his name being called. Looking around to find the source, he smiled as he was greeted by @Wizard Titanium. He remembered that she had won the race in last year's competition. Which meant it looked like she was here not just to have fun in competing, but to defend her title. "Hey, Titanium! It's really great to see you and it's been a little while." Dynamo says, nodding as he turned his attention over towards his sign up desk. A list of numbers ready to be handed out to those that wish to compete. "I've got you on the list and your number will be number 14. That will be one free hug, please. If that's okay, of course. They are optional as I'm someone that likes hugs. Well, that and tackle hugs, but normally I'm the one that does that." He chuckles as he presented Titanium her number. Good luck in the race today!"

Titanium grabs her number and throws it over her back, "Not a bad number! I'll have to make sure I don't fall behind it in the race." She pulls @Dynamo Pad into a hug "Thanks for all your help in these events." She pats him on the back and trots off towards the racers.

 

On 2025-09-09 at 12:18 AM, Dynamo Pad said:

Obstacle Number 1:

The start of the run. The area is muddy, slippery, and crowded from ponies running around. The first problem is finding a way to begin the race without tripping and falling right at the start.

Next obstacle on September 15th

On 2025-09-09 at 6:39 AM, Moonlight Wane said:

"I knew I should've worn something." The bat pony grumbles, looking at the new unicorn with a cloak. He approaches the vendor and buys some cheap boots for traction, and a jacket. After a moment of consideration, he also buys a rain hat.

@Wizard

"Hey, Titanium!" He puts the hat on her head. "Here. Let's protect that signature paint in your mane, hehe."

He makes his way to the starting line, standing next to Titanium and putting a hood on his head. "Good luck."

Titanium turns and is blinded by a sudden hat being dropped over her head. She pulls it up, letting out a short laugh as she looks over at the culprit @Nitobit "And I thought I'd join in with even more paint than usual, just for you." She pats him on the back, leaving a rather lovely pink hoof print behind.

 

On 2025-09-11 at 7:12 AM, Moonlight Wane said:

@Wizard

A moment before Dynamo says "Go", Moonlight's wing reaches for Titanium's hat and playfully pulls it over her eyes.

Moonlight blows a raspberry and starts running. His rubber boots carry him through the mud easily. On the way, he only barely slows down to kick a couple of trees with the most leaves, for a little boost in score. He mostly focuses on being on the lead, so he can be first to reach the most leafy trees.

Titanium is once again blind, but determined. She bolts forward at full speed, following the familiar sound of a raspberry being blown her way. She slips and slides but keeps her momentum... A little too well, after a short while she realises she has no traction at all and is simply sliding over the mud, with no way of seeing where she was going, and no way of slowing down, she feels the ground give way as she momentarily leaves the earth and lands on something... Soft? She pulls he hat free from her eyes and see's a familiar pink hoof print, she looks forward and realises she had somehow flopped over @Nitobit and was resting on his back, unaffecting his stride. "Well, fancy meeting you here, those boots big enough for two?" She giggles.

Edited September 12 by Wizard

[Moonlight Wane]

18 minutes ago, Wizard said:

Titanium turns and is blinded by a sudden hat being dropped over her head. She pulls it up, letting out a short laugh as she looks over at the culprit @Nitobit "And I thought I'd join in with even more paint than usual, just for you." She pats him on the back, leaving a rather lovely pink hoof print behind.

 

Titanium is once again blind, but determined. She bolts forward at full speed, following the familiar sound of a raspberry being blown her way. She slips and slides but keeps her momentum... A little too well, after a short while she realises she has no traction at all and is simply sliding over the mud, with no way of seeing where she was going, and no way of slowing down, she feels the ground give way as she momentarily leaves the earth and lands on something... Soft? She pulls he hat free from her eyes and see's a familiar pink hoof print, she looks forward and realises she had somehow flopped over @Nitobit and was resting on his back, unaffecting his stride. "Well, fancy meeting you here, those boots are big enough for two?" She giggles.

Moonlight looks back, to see blind Titanium running straight at him, with a speed of a bus. His eyes widen, and he tries to speed up before she crashes into him. Unfortunately, he is too slow, and a moment later he feels a sudden weight of an earth pony on his back. He loses balance for a terrifying second, before regaining control and continuing on.

"Titanium!? I should've known the hat wouldn't slow you down, haha! Alright, you've got a free ride until we get deeper into the forest and the ground gets less slippery. But keep your muddy, painted hooves away from my coat!"

[Wizard 1,759]

5 minutes ago, Moonlight Wane said:

Moonlight looks back, to see blind Titanium running straight at him, with a speed of a bus. His eyes widen, and he tries to speed up before she crashes into him. Unfortunately, he is too slow, and a moment later he feels a sudden weight of an earth pony on his back. He loses balance for a terrifying second, before regaining control and continuing on.

"Titanium!? I should've known the hat wouldn't slow you down, haha! Alright, you've got a free ride until we get deeper into the forest and the ground gets less slippery. But keep your muddy, painted hooves away from my coat!"

Titanium looks at her hooves and the already bright pink hoofprint on Moonlights back. "Oh you have no idea how much I just want to..." She gestures a scrubbing motion with her muddy moves, implying she could ruin his coat. "But I'll be a good mare... This time. Onward, steed!" She bellows, pointing ahead.

[PrincessPriscillaPT 512]

9 minutes ago, Wizard said:

Titanium looks at her hooves and the already bright pink hoofprint on Moonlights back. "Oh you have no idea how much I just want to..." She gestures a scrubbing motion with her muddy moves, implying she could ruin his coat. "But I'll be a good mare... This time. Onward, steed!" She bellows, pointing ahead.

*"Oh, hello, Titanium and Moonlight!" Priscilla looks back and sees Titanium and Moonlight behind her. Keeping her stamina would be good for this race.*

[Moonlight Wane]

24 minutes ago, Wizard said:

Titanium looks at her hooves and the already bright pink hoofprint on Moonlights back. "Oh you have no idea how much I just want to..." She gestures a scrubbing motion with her muddy moves, implying she could ruin his coat. "But I'll be a good mare... This time. Onward, steed!" She bellows, pointing ahead.

"Do it, and your next stop is the nearest mud puddle." He doesn't believe she would do that, but he keeps an eye out on the most muddy spots, just in case.

17 minutes ago, PrincessPriscillaPT said:

*"Oh, hello, Titanium and Moonlight!" Priscilla looks back and sees Titanium and Moonlight behind her. Keeping her stamina would be good for this race.*

"Hi there, Priscilla! Good luck in the race!"

[liujiadong 1,217]

Sunshine noticed three other ponies beside her—they still seemed full of energy. "You must be Moonlight and Titanium, right? I’ve heard about you guys! Hi there, I’m Sunshine. Good luck in the race!" she said with a smile. Then her gaze shifted to Priscilla up ahead, and she started brainstorming. I’ve gotta use some strategy here, she thought. My stamina won’t hold up for a long sprint. So she gradually slowed down, taking in the scenery around her. With her relaxed mood, a new song even started forming in her head.

 

[Silverspark184 1,444]

Silverspark and Brightspark were running together to catch up to the other ponies. They raced side by side, undeterred by the rain. As they approached a mud puddle, they came up with a plan. They thought sliding through the mud would be fun, so Silver and Bright decided to give it a try. They both slid across the muddy surface, laughing as they went.Bright grabbing  Silver's tail with her teeth  as the slide across and clean their hood in the nearby river if they need to 

[Moonlight Wane]

5 hours ago, liujiadong said:

Sunshine noticed three other ponies beside her—they still seemed full of energy. "You must be Moonlight and Titanium, right? I’ve heard about you guys! Hi there, I’m Sunshine. Good luck in the race!" she said with a smile. Then her gaze shifted to Priscilla up ahead, and she started brainstorming. I’ve gotta use some strategy here, she thought. My stamina won’t hold up for a long sprint. So she gradually slowed down, taking in the scenery around her. With her relaxed mood, a new song even started forming in her head.

"Hi Sunshine! Yeah, that's us! Good luck to you as well!"

@Wizard

Moonlight runs under a low branch, forcing Titanium to lower her head, or get some leaves on her face.

[Samurai Equine]

Samurai sees @Wizard Titanium and @Nitobit Midnight sharing a hug and getting along. He tries to run up closer to them, but nearly slips because he almost loses focus on his magic. "Okay, maybe hugs some other times..."

Instead, he waves at @PrincessPriscillaPT Priscilla. "Excuse me, I don't mean to be rude for asking, but are you royalty?"

[Wizard 1,759]

14 hours ago, Moonlight Wane said:

"Hi Sunshine! Yeah, that's us! Good luck to you as well!"

@Wizard

Moonlight runs under a low branch, forcing Titanium to lower her head, or get some leaves on her face.

Titanium turns and smiles at the new pony, only to be suddenly slapped across the face with a branch and leaves. "AH! I'M BLIND AGAIN!"

[Anarchylight]

*Anarchylight starts running.
Anarchylight: "The most important thing now is not to fall here."

[PrincessPriscillaPT 512]

1 hour ago, Samurai Equine said:

Instead, he waves at @PrincessPriscillaPT Priscilla. "Excuse me, I don't mean to be rude for asking, but are you royalty?"

*Priscilla looks back at @Samurai Equine Samurai, hearing her question, and she said, "I don't know actually...". She was unsure if she was royalty or not, but her main focus was on the race track's condition.*

[Dusk Haven 248]

Dusk looks behind, to the side, and in front of her, taking note of each ponies location. She smiles to herself as every pony here is just being who they are, having fun and bucking leaves. With a flash of her horn, her cloak that causes the glamour to hide her true form shimmers and fades, exposing her cutie mark and wings proudly. She extends them wide, but only to stretch them out, then lets them fall firmly to her side. With this new found feeling of acceptance, she gets an extra bounce in her step as she trots along, bucking trees here and there. She peers forward to see if there is another challenge on the horizon.

[Starlight Glimmer 154]

Upon hearing her and Pinkie's names being called, Starlight turned towards the racers and audience as she smiled and waved. Once she and Pinkie made their way into the balloon, they were about to release the ropes that kept the hot air balloon on the ground. However, a sudden downpour had occurred, while Dynamo was contemplating on canceling the events. With the arrival of Rainbow Dash, it seemed that there were a change in the plans. It looked as if the race was still a go, but Starlight was still unconvinced of the rain that had been taking place. She pondered on an idea, before smiling in realization with a plan in mind taking place. With her magic, she casted a spell that overtook the entire balloon. With the magic aura enveloping her horn dissipating, she smiled as she hoped that her plan went into work. Once the duo took off in the balloon, it was keeping a steady pace above the participants. All the while, the balloon itself was not being blown around by any potential harsh winds. "Perfect! I knew that spell I looked into the other day would come in handy. It's a nifty spell that keeps an object in motion without other active or outside forces from interference. I was hoping to figure out a spell like this on a rainy day when I would like to try and fly my kites." Starlight smiled, feeling accomplished upon her work.

"With that being said, welcome everypony! This is your hosts Starlight Glimmer and Pinkie Pie, here to welcome you to the Running of the Leaves! It feels great to be back commentating and catching the action of our beloved racer's! With returning and brand new contestants, it looks like this year's race will be just as exciting!" Starlight says, looking up from her spot in the basket to take notice of the rain still falling. "It's still rather strange that it's raining as I don't think that was announced in the weather pattern forecast. Thankfully the race is still on and it seems that this sudden downpour has proven to be a good challenge for our contestants!" She announced, looking over the edge of the basket to see how everyone was doing. "It looks like Number 20, @Dusk Haven is using smart strategy! Using ice magic to help her traverse the mud covered road with ease!" Starlight blinked as she thought she saw a faint glow upon the muddy path. It wasn't until she noticed that bits were sent flying that she gasped in surprise. "What's this? It looks like Dusk Haven threw some bits to throw the contestants off her tail. Number 44, @Samurai Equine is looking to heat up the competition with his fire magic! With each step, he's making sure that the mud doesn't slow him down! Even number 93, @Iridescent Edge is toughing out the storm by using his wits and running through the mud without any sense of worry. Now that's what we call having some courage and determination, folks!"

[Pinkie Pie 691]

Pinkie pie looking below holding her binoculars.

 

”you certainly got that right Starlight! No raining days will damp the moods of these competitors, and this is gonna be an exciting one to watch this year!”

 

Pinkie pulled out a cow bell from her mane as she rang the bell, emphasizing her enthusiasm.

 

“Ooooh, those three you mentioned totally know how to get ready to snag the win! I mean, just look at Anarchylight—so super-duper serious right now!”

“And hey, it’s not just about the hot ‘n cold showdown we’re seeing here—some ponies see this race as way, waaaay more than just crossing the finish line!”

Pinkie focus her attention on, @Nitobit @Wizard @liujiadong @PrincessPriscillaPT. The attention shows the four mingled as they ran down the muddy path. Silverspark and Brightspark Having fun as they ran down side by side. 

“nothing beats the sight of a friendly competition here in 2025 Running in the Leaves, don’t you agree @Starlight Glimmer?

[Starlight Glimmer 154]

7 minutes ago, Pinkie Pie said:

Pinkie pie looking below holding her binoculars.

 

”you certainly got that right Starlight! No raining days will damp the moods of these competitors, and this is gonna be an exciting one to watch this year!”

 

Pinkie pulled out a cow bell from her mane as she rang the bell, emphasizing her enthusiasm.

 

“Ooooh, those three you mentioned totally know how to get ready to snag the win! I mean, just look at Anarchylight—so super-duper serious right now!”

“And hey, it’s not just about the hot ‘n cold showdown we’re seeing here—some ponies see this race as way, waaaay more than just crossing the finish line!”

Pinkie focus her attention on, @Nitobit @Wizard @liujiadong @PrincessPriscillaPT. The attention shows the four mingled as they ran down the muddy path. Silverspark and Brightspark Having fun as they ran down side by side. 

“nothing beats the sight of a friendly competition here in 2025 Running in the Leaves!”

"Sounds like you know what it means when it comes to a rainy day. Especially for being the super, duper party pony, I can imagine that no rain, no snow, not strong winds, or more will stop a good party." Starlight giggled, knowing Pinkie Pie and her parties pretty well. With the sudden ringing of the cow bell, the unicorn's ears perked as her eyes shrank to the size of peas from the sudden ring. Shaking her head to gather her bearings, as well as stop the ringing in her ears, she couldn't help in giving a playful eye roll at her fellow commentator.

"It sounds like someone is just as enthusiastic as me and I can't blame you! The race just started and we already have some good competition between the racers. Sunlight and Velvet are chatting as they run. Where Moonlight and last year's champion, Titanium, are having a playful banter back and forth as they run." Starlight smiled as she always enjoyed the racing competition, but always enjoyed the friendships, as well. "Our competitors are staying strong, but it looks like the muddy road is affecting how they run. Hope they can continue to stay on the road, or they're going to be slip sliding off track. As she used her own binoculars, she gasped as she saw @Wizard Titanium had been sliding in the mud. "Uh, oh! It looks like number 14 lost her footing and is sliding through the mud! Will she recover, or is she on a one way trip out of the race!?" She exclaimed, before noticing that Titanium had landed upon @Nitobit Moonlight as the two ran together. "Number 28, Moonlight, has gained an ally in Titanium, who landed on his back to break her fall! It looks like those two are working together to clear the obstacle! I say, Pinkie, that's a pretty clever idea. It beats slipping in the mud, but hopefully Moonlight can keep his balance. Otherwise, it'll be a big wipeout."

 

[Silverspark]

Silverspark and Brightspark continued sliding through the mud, trying to catch up with the older ponies. Brightspark held onto Silverspark's tail with her teeth as she exclaimed, "I have a new plan! Look over there—a flat piece of wood! We can use it like a sled. Check in my saddlebag for some rope!"

Brightspark looked at her before searching the saddlebag and found a rope."  Found it, so now what ?" she asked. 

Silverspark levitated a large flat piece of wood. She tied the rope a bit for steering, and together they hopped on, and their new mudsled slid across the mud on it as both fillies moved 

[Iridescent Edge]

*Iridescent Edge had just finished bucking another tree when he saw another contestant reveal themselves to be an Alicorn. How many Alicorns were racing now? And was that romantic tension between two contestants? This would have been really awkward if Iridescent hadn't been focused on running from tree to tree and bucking them. He knew he was falling a little behind, but he was more focused on making the leaves fall—Y'know, the original purpose of the Running of the Leaves. The mud was probably muffling the vibrations of everypony's hoofsteps, anyway. But they still looked like they were having fun, so good for them.*

[liujiadong 1,217]

Sunshine glanced left and right—man, the view was stunning. Leaves fluttered down like butterflies, and through the rain, sunlight broke through, painting a rainbow. " Oh my Celestia," she breathed, "this is gorgeous. I gotta put this feeling in a song.Yeet!" Born and raised in Manhattan, she’d never seen anything like it, so she slowed her step… but then she spotted Samurai Equine pushing through the wind and rain, with Priscilla right beside him. She shook her head, picked up the pace again, and just then, caught sight of a pony in a cloak—there was something so familiar about the way she carried herself.

@Dusk Haven@Samurai Equine@PrincessPriscillaPT

Edited September 14 by liujiadong

[Pinkie Pie 691]

@liujiadong “Number 11 looks like she she definitely enjoying the early Fall view! I got to say, @Starlight Glimmer the feeling of fall is certainly coming in closer than we think! I can almost taste the pumpkin spices already!” Pinkie couldn’t help it but rumbled on some of her best Fall cupcakes, muffins, and other delights.
 

”D’oh! Getting side tracked with sweets again.”

She turned to back Starlight again, her stomach still growling.

“Ooooh, Starlight, I can’t wait to see what the dynamite team’s gonna pull off next to win this race! Heehee! But lookie-look—Titanium better watch out, ‘cause if those silly leaves sneak into her blind spot—boop!—that could totally trip her up!”

Oh hohoh! Pinkie tabs her hooves over Starlight’s shoulder
 

“Are you seeing what I’m seeing? Sliverspark and number 66, Brightspark is planning something down there! And it look like @Iridescent Edge gonna have to think of something quick too if he’s planning to get ahead! Starlight, what do you think he’s got up his sleeve, huh? Do you think maybe—just maybe—a batch of pumpkin spice muffins could give him a super-charged boost?!

She giggles, while rubbing her stomach in delight.

 

 

[PrincessPriscillaPT 512]

*Priscilla looks up to see @Starlight Glimmer Starlight and @Pinkie Pie Pinkie on their hot-air balloons, spectating at the racers. She waves up to them and excitedly says:* "Hello, you two! How are y'all doing? What place am I in? Because no matter if I win or lose, I'll still be happy as this is my first time here!"

[Moonlight Wane]

Moonlight looks up at the commentators, and is glad to see Pinkie up there, instead of waiting somewhere in the bushes with her party cannon, like last year.

The bat pony bolts through the forest, gracefully avoiding suspicious puddles. Occasionally, he helps himself with his wings to keep balance, but his boots seem to be doing great job preventing him from sliding. After some time, the racers find themselves deeper in the forest, where ground is less slippery, thanks to trees still having lots of leaves, blocking most of the rain. Moonlight is already panting slightly from the weight he's had to carry.

@Wizard

"Hey, you still there, Titanium? I hope you haven't fallen asleep. It feels less slippery here." He looks back, to see the result of Titanium's recent collision with a branch.

"Why did you put leaves on your face?"

[Samurai Equine]

Samurai tilts his head at @PrincessPriscillaPT Priscilla's answer. "You don't know? Well maybe this race will help you find out. Good luck!"

Samurai slows down for only a second, but it's enough to see @liujiadong Sunshine. He smiles. "You know, Pink and Red are very similar colors."

Occasionally, Samurai slams his body against a few trees to bring the leaves down. He occasionally is tempted to use his hooves, but he quickly remembers the light amount of magic fire he has at the tips of his hooves. Better to avoid starting any fires today, even if the the rain might put it out.

He looks over at @Dusk Haven Dusk. "What about you? Are you royalty also?"

[Dusk Haven 248]

2 hours ago, Samurai Equine said:

He looks over at @Dusk Haven Dusk. "What about you? Are you royalty also?"

Dusk looked over @Samurai Equine and stuck her tongue out like she had tasted something awful. "Oh no, not me. I avoided royal status all my life. I reluctantly accepted the title of "Princess Consort" out of tradition when I married, but that's not the same as "Princess". Before all that, I moved about the world cloaked in a glamour spell that allowed me to pass as a Unicorn so I could help ponies without them thinking I was a Princess because of my species. I'm Dusk Haven, but my friends call me Dusk. What's your name?"

She nearly tripped over a rock she hadn't seen while talking to the pony by her. She pivoted to the side, kicked up a mix of dirt and mud before stabilizing. She moved over to another tree and gave it a hard shake with her front hooves before continuing forward.