Does the thought of doing nothing but running a 5K sound like pure torture? Do you need a distraction to make it through the 26.2 miles of a marathon? Then check out these seven themed races that are sure to get you moving.
The Color Run
You’ll hit the starting line in pristine white clothing at The Color Run, but rest assured, you’ll be bursting with color by the time you reach the finish line of this 5K. The Color Run rewards participants with a splash of colored powder at every kilometer, and your end-of-race goodie bag is nothing other than your own bag of colored powder to enjoy. We dare you to try not to enjoy the Happiest 5K on the Planet.
Electric Run
Think of it as Electric Daisy Carnival in race form. The Electric Run is a nighttime race filled with neon lights and thumping dance and electronic beats that will keep you pumped throughout the 5K. Be sure to bring plenty of neon bracelets, and stick around for the epic after parties with DJs, lasers and plenty of dancing.
Spartan Race
The Spartan Race is designed to separate the warriors from the mere runners. Part race and part obstacle course, the Spartan Race will have you crawling through mud under barbed wire, jumping over fire, throwing spears at targets and climbing over walls, just to name a few possible obstacles that will stand between you and the finish line. To make sure you’re a true Spartan, you won’t have details on the race obstacles or even a course map until race day.
Marathon du Medoc
Wine lovers will appreciate the annual Marathon du Medoc in France’s wine country, where refreshment stations serve some of the region’s best wine as you run alongside French vineyards and chateaux. That’s right, wine tastings as you run. Need we say more?
Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend
You’ve never done Disney like this. Once a year, Walt Disney World transforms into a runner’s haven with races for everyone from hardcore athletes to kids and families. Whether you opt for the full-blown marathon or the family-friendly 5K, you’re sure to catch your second wind with characters like Donald Duck, Goofy and Mickey himself cheering you on along the way.
Hot Chocolate 15K
After finishing a race, you just might want to reward yourself with a sweet treat. America’s Sweetest Race can appreciate that, and the Hot Chocolate 15K rewards runners with a warm cup of hot chocolate and a side of chocolate fondue. What could be sweeter than that?
Run For Your Lives
Survivalists and zombie apocalypse nerds, this one’s for you. You’ll need to do more than run to survive the Run For Your Lives 5K – you’ll need to avoid the hordes of zombies trying to eat your brains take your flags. Top it off with obstacle courses and haunted houses, and you have a race that’s all about pure bragging rights. Don’t really feel like running? Then sign up as a zombie and do your best to keep runners from crossing the finish line with their flags intact.
(Main image: Sam Howzit)
