The Best Fun Runs in America

Fun runs: the best excuse to get active! Marathons aren't for you?  Fun runs are focused on having a good time rather than times, splits and PRs.  Signing up can be a great motivation to get moving and crossing the finnish line comes with a great sense of accomplishment.  Plus, most races allow you to sign up with a team... so grab some friends and get going!  They can even be fun for marathoners and serious runners just looking for a break with a more relaxed run.  With thousands of varieties including everything from muddy obstacles to crazy costumes, how do you know where to begin?  This is a list of the most unique and exciting runs in America!  A few are destination races, but most are available in cities all over the country.

Run Disney

"Every mile is magic when you runDisney!" Disney offers a variety of runs that differ in length and theme.  From a Diaper Dash to a 48.6 mile run, there is something for everyone.  Race weekends include many fun events, like Pasta in the Park, kids races, health expos, Happily Ever After Parties, and many more.  The Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend is the signature race weekend.  Another fun option is the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon.  But, at the top of my bucket list is the Disney Princess Half Marathon.  Making dreams come true, one mile at a time!

http://www.rundisney.com/

www.runkarlarun.com

Color Run
"The Happiest 5K on the Planet" This un-timed race is 100% focused on having fun! Participants begin the race wearing all white and get drenched in color along the course. The after-race party/DJ offer even more color and fun.  Color Runs take place in cities all over the country.
http://thecolorrun.com/

www.sippycupmom.com

Komen Race for the Cure
What could be more fun than running to support a cause? There are more than 140 different races across the country.  People of all fitness levels participate to raise awareness, honor those who have lost their battle, and celebrate those who have survived breast cancer.  Get decked out in pink and sign up for a race in a city near you!
http://apps.komen.org/raceforthecure/

blog.komen.org

Spartan Race - Tough Mudder - Warrior Dash
Two of the most popular obstacle trail races.  Run with a team, get muddy, work hard, challenge yourself, and HAVE FUN! Afterward celebrate at post-race parties with beer, music, and more.  Available in cities all over the country, so look for one near you.  The Spartan Race offers 4 different levels ranging from a 3 mile course to a 26 mile course.  The Tough Mudder is a 10-12 mile course.  The Warrior Dash is a 3-4 mile course.  One thing's for sure, you will feel a great sense of accomplishment crossing these finish lines.
http://www.spartanrace.com/ - http://toughmudder.com/ - http://warriordash.com/

info.spartanrace.com

Hot Chocolate 15K/5K

"America's Sweetest Race" The race is fun, but the real excitement comes at the finnish line with a goodie bag, Post Race Party, music, and lots of CHOCOLATE!  They are available in many big cities across the country.  This one really appeals to the chocoholic in me, I think I'll try to run the one in Minneapolis, in April.

http://www.hotchocolate15k.com/

blog.discoversd.com

Krispy Kreme Challenge
"2400 calories, 12 donuts, 5 miles, 1 hour."  Not the healthiest race around, but definitely appealing to the pastry loving runners.  Participants begin on the NC State campus, run 2.5 miles to Krispy Kreme, eat a dozen donuts, then attempt to run back.  Proceeds are donated to the North Carolina Children's Hospital.
http://www.krispykremechallenge.com/

guestofaguest.com

Run For Your Lives
"The original zombie infested 5K obstacle course race." Runners navigate the course, overcoming obstacles, and dodging zombies.  The course is roughly 5K, but varies depending on the routes you chose.  Participants wear flags and if they make it to the finish line with at least one remaining flag then they have survived! Races are available all over the country.  Celebrate at the finish line with an apocalypse festival full of food, music, beer, and of course, ZOMBIES!
http://www.runforyourlives.com/

www.mensjournal.com

Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis
"Nation's Largest Holiday 5K" Available in cities all over the country.  Make a team, raise money for arthritis research, and get in the holiday spirit with Christmas costumes and jingle bells.  Get up and moving to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year!
http://www.arthritis.org/programs-events/jingle-bell-run/

its-go-time.com

Twinkie Run
This 5K is always run on April 1st in Ann Arbor, Michigan to support the battle against ALS.  Eat a Twinkie at the start line, at mile 1.5, and more goodies at the finnish line.  You can even participate in the homemade Twinkie contest! Yum!
http://www.a2a3.org/twinkie-run/

www.theactivetimes.com

New Year Midnight Run New York
Ring in the new year with this fun run through Central Park.  4 miles full of music, entertainment, and fun.  Complete with a costume contest and midnight fireworks!  A fun, healthy alternative to spending NYE in Times Square.
http://www.nyc.com/arts__attractions/new_year_midnight_run.1403/editorial_review.aspx

yourlife.usatoday.com

Bay to Breakers
The oldest annual footrace in the world.  A 12K race through the scenic city of San Francisco.  This race is famous for its crazy costumes, nudity, and scenic route.
http://baytobreakers.com/

www.dogonews.com

Dirty Girl
Girl Power! Very similar to the Tough Mudder, this 5K is for women only.  People of all abilities are encouraged to sign up and experience the camaraderie and fun! It's available all over the US.  "You won't be able to wash off your sense of accomplishment."
http://godirtygirl.com/

atlmomsonthemove.com

5K Foam Fest
Rub-a-dub-dub.  If you think all the mud runs sound fun, check this out! All the mud and obstacles of a typical mud run, but with one significant addition... FOAM!  After getting down and dirty, follow it up by getting sudsy and clean.  Available in many locations across the country.
http://5kfoamfest.com/

articles.orlandosentinel.com

Electric Run
A 5K that keeps you running, walking, and dancing with various music and lights, essentially an "electric wonderland."  Participants dress up in crazy costumes, including anything that blinks, glows, lights up, etc.  And you can't forget about the electric, dance party, finnish celebration.  Available in cities across the country.  Grab your glow sticks & get moving!
http://electricrun.com/

www.flickr.com

Boston Urban Iditarod

Create a team, pick a theme and costumes, and participate in this urban shopping cart race.  It is also a costume party, bar crawl, talent contest, food drive, and a party!  Each team creates their own route (a little over 5K) that must hit each of the check-point bars.  At each check point grab a beer and complete a challenge.

http://bostonurbaniditarod.com/

artery.wbur.org

NYC Pizza Run
Bon Appetite!  2.25 mile run.  Participants stop at 3 checkpoints along the way to chow down on a piece of pizza.  Pizza & running... What more could you need?
http://nycpizzarun.com/

www.thezareport.com