Running a local 5K is fun; however, why not transform a race into a fantastic excuse for a vacation? Travel to any of these best US running events for the chance to do something new and exciting.
Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10K
Who wants to wait until Halloween to dress up? People plan their costumes months in advance for this wild April event in Richmond. Past events have featured a car, a helicopter, Macho Man and Hulk Hogan, as well as 25,000 participants running to raise money for cancer research at the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10K.
Hatfield McCoy Marathon
Running becomes personal at the Hatfield McCoy Marathon, held in Williamson, West Virginia, every June. The race crosses into Kentucky and assigns each runner to a clan, the Hatfields or McCoys. Consequently, times are tallied at the end to see which family wins that year’s edition of the epic feud.
Gettysburg Blue-Gray Half Marathon
Competitors can choose a side, North or South, in the Gettysburg Blue-Gray Half Marathon in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where the course winds through a Civil War battlefield.
Krispy Kreme Challenge
Even the most devoted donut lovers find it challenging to complete the Krispy Kreme Challenge, taking place each February in Raleigh. Participants must run 2.5 miles to a Krispy Kreme store, eat a dozen donuts (that’s 2,400 calories), and run back to the finish line—all in under an hour.
Star Wars Rival Run Half Marathon
While most people will never pilot a TIE fighter, they can run alongside Darth Vader at the Star Wars Rival Run Half Marathon in Disney World during April. Runners can take pictures with beloved Star Wars characters while dashing through Walt Disney World Resort.
AJC Peachtree Road Race
Boston has Heartbreak Hill, while Atlanta features Cardiac Hill—an intimidating climb located right in front of Piedmont Hospital, a reality that weighs on runners as they ascend. The 10K AJC Peachtree Road Race is America’s largest road race, attracting almost 60K participants each year on July 4.
Carlsbad 5000
What’s more rewarding than winning a race? Winning and earning a beer named in your honor. This prize awaits anyone who breaks a world record at the famed March Carlsbad 5000 in California. Moreover, slower runners can still savor two free craft beers post-race, including the custom-brewed Full Sprint IPA or Cool Down Lager.
Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot
With numerous Turkey Trots scheduled for Thanksgiving morning, it is challenging to choose just one, but Dallas stands out. Notably, dogs on leashes are welcome at the Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot. After the race, participants can relax in the beer garden (sorry, Fido, that treat is just for humans).
Shiprock Marathon
This race begins with a Navajo blessing and winds through stunning desert terrain around the nation’s largest Navajo town, Shiprock, New Mexico. The Shiprock Marathon, taking place in May, also allows participants to opt for a five-person relay for those seeking the experience without high mileage.
Cupid’s Undie Run
Pants can feel cumbersome when running; therefore, why not shed them for the Cupid’s Undie Run? This race series, which promotes itself as “the largest pantsless party” in the nation, is held in February in over three dozen cities, including Nashville, Baltimore, Reno, and Cincinnati. The proceeds benefit neurofibromatosis research.
Hawai’i Pacific Health Great Aloha Run
Even the breathtaking scenery makes the Great Aloha Run, Hawaii’s second-largest race, an enticing event. The addition of the Sounds of Freedom, a military running formation synchronized in cadence, inspires everyone along the course during the February event in Honolulu.
OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon
Taking place a few weeks prior to the Indy 500 in May, the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon in Indianapolis shares the same lively atmosphere as the iconic car race. More than 80 spirited groups and entertainers rally to cheer runners through the course, which includes 2.5 miles on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, finishing at the checkered flags.
TDOC Prison 5K Run/Walk
The historic Tennessee State Prison in Nashville opens its grounds for the TDOC Prison 5K Run/Walk, raising funds for Big Brothers Big Sisters every May. It is one of the few races held on the grounds of a prison, and finishers are invited to a guided tour of the facility grounds afterward to learn about its unique history.
Chuckanut 50K
Training for an ultramarathon requires diligence, but remarkable views await on the course outside Bellingham, Washington. Runners climb 5,000 feet and run down the Chuckanut Mountain Ridge at the end of the 50K, held in March.
Whether you choose to run short distances, long distances, or take a break to snack, the best US running events offer opportunities for engaging, memorable experiences.
Run Woodstock
America’s grooviest race series, Run Woodstock, provides options ranging from the Flower Power 5 Mile to the Hallucination 100 Mile in homage to the era of peace, love, and massive music festivals. Race swag naturally includes tie-dye apparel, and race medals are crafted as peace signs. Races occur near Ann Arbor over a weekend in September. Be sure to check out the “hippie hikes,” too.
