The Color Run
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Known as the “Happiest 5k on the Planet”, the purpose of The Color Run is to promote wellbeing and happiness. “Color Runners” run a five kilometer track where upon reaching each kilometer, they get doused with color. There are two requirements of the event, 1) wear all white and 2) leave covered in color. After the race, the participants get to enjoy a party with tons of dancing, music, and more color throwing. This is a global event that reaches over 50 countries. The dates and locations for the 2015 tour are up so those interested are encouraged to visit their site.
Food Runs
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A photo posted by Simoné (@spk8987) on
There are various types of food runs that take place all over the country that center around a specific food. Twinkie Run (yeah! You get to eat Twinkies before, during, and after) will take place in Ann Harbor, Michigan on April 2st and the proceeds go towards curing ALS. New York is the home to Pizza Run. Oklahoma hosts the Corndog Classic, runners in this race have to eat fair-foods like cotton candy, lemonade, and corndogs upon reaching specific milestones within the race. Hot Chocolate race in Arizona treats its participants to about 1500 gallons of hot chocolate upon finishing the 5k or 15k. These events are held annually so please check out the respective events for dates and locations.
Tough Mudder
http://instagram.com/p/xv6JTCBJqo/
Tough Mudder is a racing event that features a 10-12 mile obstacle courses that tests not only your stamina, endurance (mental and physical), but also teamwork skills and comradery; the purpose of the race is to not only finish the race yourself, but help others finish it also. The Survivors of the event get to brag that they finished and they also help raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project which provides support for disabled veterans. Since team work is a crucial element of Tough Mudder, they offer packages to businesses that are looking for group activities to enhance working relationships amongst employees. This is a touring event so check for upcoming dates near your location; there are a few international dates also!
Disco Dash
Disco Dash is a 5k or 10k race that is annually held in Chicago. Fans of Disco music come dressed in the grooviest of ways to partake in the race that is held in order to raise money for the The Guarnateed Rate Foundation; their mission is to provide “financial support for people and their families in situations arising from unforeseen hardship and/or emergency circumstances.” The race event is followed by an after party where people get to groove to…well, Disco music of course.
If visiting Chicago for the event is a hassle, then it is best to know that various other Disco Runs take place throughout the country that are hosted under different brand names; they are all fun and are recommended!
Cupid’s Undie Run
Cupid’s Undie Run is held in order to raise money to fight neurofibromatosis (NF) which causes tumors in various parts of the nervous system causing illnesses like blindness, deafness, learning disabilities and severe chronic pain. Held on the Valentine’s Day weekend, the participants will run a course in their underwear. It will be held in over 30 cities in United States this year so those interested are encouraged to see if their city is participating.
Nude Races
[We will keep this race for the imagination]
The idea of running naked was made famous from the movie American Pie: The Naked Mile, who took the idea from University of Michigan’s Naked Mile. There are various nude races held all over the country – and all over the world. The idea is pretty simple, run naked– although there are some where being nude is optional. Most of these races are usually held to raise money for charities but the real winners are the participants who can say, “I ran naked for a cause, I made a difference!” Plus, it’s a great thing to be able to cross off your bucketlist.
Marathon du Medoc
Marathon du Medoc 2014 Philippe Croizon and tram #marathondumedoc #marathonmedoc #selfiemedoc30
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If you didn’t have a good enough reason to visit France, then we are about to give you one. Marathon du Medoc is an annual race held in France that mixes wine with running a full marathon (26 miles). The track goes through beautiful vineyards that serve food and wine and fuel stations that offer, well…more wine (but also water). There is also a central theme to the race (i.e aliens, carnivals) so participants are expected to wear a costume for the event; about 90% of 8000 participants partake in the costumes. This is surely a once in a lifetime experience and highly encouraged for both wine lovers and runners!
Spartan Races
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While Tough Mudder stands for teamwork and comradery, Spartan Race is founded on sheer competition. The winners even go home with cash prizes. Spartan Race is a more grueling and less fun and games. There are obstacles that require much more physical endurance and unlike Tough Mudder, you will have no support of your team mates to help you out – plus if you cannot finish the obstacle, then you are asked to do 30 burpees in order to supplement. However, the course is divided into separate sections and as a beginner you can always choose an easier option. The bottom line is, if you want a more friendly option, the Tough Mudder is recommended. But, if you want to go in with a competitor’s attitude, then Spartan Race would be your jam.
Warrior Dash, Dirty Girl, and Mudderella are other options in similar category.
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