Who ever said running couldn’t be fun?
If you’ve been looking for your next race and love a good theme, here’s some of the quirkiest, most unique running races in the U.S.
Krispy Kreme Challenge | Raleigh, NC
For runners blessed with both “athletic and gastrointestinal skill” as the website claims, here’s a race where you run 2.5 miles, eat a dozen glazed Krispy Kreme donuts, and then run another 2.5 miles in under an hour. First a challenge among friends and now a charity race, the student-run Krispy Kreme Challenge has garnered national attention. For those like me who don’t want to test their gastrointestinal fortitude, you can participate without consuming all 12 doughnuts in one sitting.
Race day is typically in February.
Beat the Blerch Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K & 5K | Carnation, WA
Ever wish there was a piece of cake waiting for you at an aid station or wondered what a burrito made out of doughnuts tasted like? Check out the Beat The Blerch event outside of Seattle. The race, which includes 5k, 10K, half, and full marathon, was inspired by a character from a running-focused webcomic named The Blech. Besides the unique goodies during the race, other highlights include couches along the course to take a nap and lots of nutella.
Race day is typically in September.
Monster Dash Strataca Salt Mine 5K | Hutchinson, KS
Run or walk 650 feet underground in the Strataca Salt wearing your best Halloween costume. This one actually sounds a little terrifying since the description mentions that “monsters and zombies could be lurking around every corner,” but if you’ve been looking for a more intense haunted house, this may be just for you.
Race day is typically in October.
The Extraterrestrial Full Moon Midnight 51K, Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K & 5K | Rachel, NV
Strap on your reflective vest, headlamp and glow bracelets and run along the “Extraterrestrial Highway,” a stretch of highway 375 in Nevada that got its name due to a high number of reported UFO sightings. The race includes a variety of distances and usually occurs on a weekend closest to the full moon. Temps are usually in the 60’s due to the elevation and start time.
Race day is typically in August.
Lincoln Tunnel 5K | Weehawken, NJ
Run underwater and cross two states (New Jersey & New York) as you run through the Lincoln Tunnel. Don’t worry, you don’t have to pay the toll booth! All proceeds benefit Special Olympics New Jersey.
Race day is typically in May.
Fast & Furriest 2.5-Miler Fun Run | Boston, MA
Wish your pup could accompany you during a race? Now’s your chance! At the Harpoon Dogtoberfest, you can run/walk 2.5 miles with your dog at your side. After the event, there will the Fest-minster Dog Show (think costume contests, look-alike competitions, etc.) as well as food trucks. Proceeds benefit the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute as well as MSPCA-Angell.
Race day is typically in May.
Race to the Cave Half Marathon & 10K | Woodville, AL
Finish a 10K or half marathon with a 1.2-mile run through Cathedral Cavern Cave, which features one of the largest stalagmites in the world, measuring 45 feet tall and 243 feet in circumference.
Race day is typically in March.
Indy Mini Marathon | Indianapolis, IN
If you’re an F1 fan, love the Indianapolis 500—an annual car racing event and the world’s biggest single-day sporting event—or ever wondered what it would feel like to run a speedway where cars have reached more than 230+ miles per hour, check out the Indy Mini Marathon. The annual event typically takes place in May and a little over 2 miles of the course will be around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Race day is typically in May.
Aliens vs. Astronauts “May The 4th Be With You” 5K | Houston, TX
Don an alien, astronaut or cosmic character costume of your choice and run 3.1 miles though the NASA Starport campus in Texas.
Race day is typically in May.
Light the Way 5K & 1-Mile Fun Walk | Pigeon Forge, TN
Get into the holiday spirit with a 3.1-mile nighttime run through Dollywood, a theme park partly owned by Dolly Parton herself. The end of the course runs through Dollywood’s 6 million Christmas lights.
Race day is typically in December.
Santa Suits on the Loose 5K | St. Augustine, FL
Prefer a warmer holiday run? Check out Santa Suits on the Loose, a 3.1-mile race near St. Augustine Beach. The first 100 participants to register receive a Santa suit. After that, participants are given a Santa-themed t-shirt.
Race day is typically in December.
The Color Run 5K | Various Locations
For the Color Run, which has events worldwide, participants are encouraged to wear white and at every kilometer along the course, they’re doused from head to toe in a non-toxic colored powder. It’s an untimed event that, per their website is “more about the memories you make than your mile-per-minute.” You’re awarded with a Unicorn finisher’s medal at the finish line and a post-race event that includes music, dancing, photo ops, activity booths and more color throws.
Races are offered throughout the year.
Hot Chocolate 15K | Various Locations
For all you chocolate lovers out there, consider the Hot Chocolate 15K, which has events across the U.S. At the finish line you’re awarded with, yup you guessed it, lots and lots of chocolate, including a finisher mug with chocolate fondue, dippables, and yummy hot chocolate. At the pre-race expo, you can treat yourself to even more chocolate samples and at the end, you walk away with a full-zip cozy jacket and finisher’s medal.
Races are typically offered during the winter and spring months.
What are your favorite runs you’ve done? Tell us in the comments below!
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