Charity runs, fun runs, and obstacles courses are popping up all over the place. Signing up to participate is a great way to set a goal to work toward, or to just add a fun element to your regular workout routine. While Color Runs and Tough Mudders are among the most popular of these course offerings, here are a few you to consider that may be new to you.
Race: Rock ‘n’ Roll Series
Race Info: Year-round dates in multiple U.S. and international locations
Why It’s Cool: Skip putting playlists together, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Series makes running miles fly by with live music from the starting gun through the finish line. This concert-like course offers a unique running experience in a variety of running distances, including half and full marathons.
Training Tip: If you’re barely clocking a 13-minute mile, it might be time to pick up the pace. Use music with more beats per minute or “BPM,” and you just might be crossing the finish line in faster time.
Race: Rev3Glow Night Run
Race Info: Summer dates in select cities
Why It’s Cool: For all those night owls, this race takes place in the dark. This after-hours race uses bright neon colors and glow sticks, jewelry, and other accessories to light the way. The nocturnal course is designed more for the laid-back runner not looking for a timed run. Once you cross the finish line, head out to the lawn for an outdoor theater movie treat.
Training Tip: If you don’t love to run with the sun, play it safe when training in the evening. Wear reflective gear, bring a friend, and stick to well-lit paths.
Race: Gritty Goddess 5k Obstacle Course
Race Info: April and October in Galveston, Texas
Why It’s Cool: If you want to get dirty with your best gal pals, then this ladies-only 5k obstacle course race is for you. The Gritty boasts more than 30 obstacles made from sand, mud, water, and foam. However, the work does not come without reward. Along the way, indulge on “Temptation Island,” or race to the end where pampering awaits you at the finish line. And while it’s technically an all-female event, guys can still get in on the fun. They just have to do this dirty race in drag.
Training Tip: There’s not a lot that you won’t face in an obstacle course, so cross-training is key. Skills that will definitely come in handy are crawling and pull-ups. Add in these exercises when prepping, and the obstacle course should feel less challenging.
Race: Zombie Race
Race Info: Current races are available in select states summer through fall.
Why It’s Cool: Run for your lives! Zombies swarm the 5k and 15k obstacle courses as you traverse the treacherous apocalyptic wasteland of mud, danger, and undead horror. Like a scene out of a real-life scary movie, participants must survive hordes of brain-eating monsters while also clearing obstacles in their way. It’s a race for the survival of the fittest.
Training Tip: Stamina will save your life in this race, so look to boost your aerobic exercise while at the same time building strength. For example, when lifting weights, lower the weight, but pump out more reps.
Race: Ragnar Relay
Race Info: Current races are available in select states summer through fall.
Why It’s Cool: Get by with a little help from your friends in this team-based overnight relay race spanning 200(ish) miles. Teams are made up of 12 people, and each person runs solo three times, at distances of three to eight miles. When not running, team members ride along in a van, which allows the race to continue day and night. This is the perfect event for friends who are at different levels but still want to compete together. Just keep your newbies running for shorter distances and let the veterans pound the pavement longer.
Training Tip: Since you’ll be exercising more than once a day, get your body ready for it but breaking up your training program into morning and evening exercises.
No matter what race you choose or why you choose it, the important thing is to find ways to make exercise more fun and celebrate your accomplishments. And since most of these races end with rounds of beer, that’s a great start.
What race sounds most fun to you? Tell us in the comments!
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Carrie Anton is a freelance writer focusing on health, fitness, and sports. She's been published in Self, Women's Health, Oxygen, and Maximum Fitness.
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