8 Most Fun Themed Races
8 Most Fun Themed Races
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8 Most Fun Themed Races

Whether you’re an avid runner, have done a few 5Ks just for fun, or you’re a complete running novice, you may be wondering: what kinds of races are out there? Sure, there’s always your run-of-the-mill Turkey Trot around Thanksgiving, or the yearly St. Patty’s Day fun run. After a while, races can start to blend together, and you may be wanting to try something a little different.

With the endless catalog of running events out there on the internet, it can be hard to decide where to start. That’s where we come in; we’ve compiled a list of the most unique races, fun races, and just plain cool races we could find. Just pick the one (or two...or seven) that speak to you and get registered! 

 

Wicked Wine Run

Finally, you don’t have to choose between your two greatest loves: wine night and running. This race series, created in 2013, is described as “an evening 5K fueled by wine with rocking after-party, food trucks, and more wine.” 

Sign. Us. Up. 

Wicked Wine Run event also offers a 1K wine-tasting walk for any of your pals who haven’t yet been bitten by the running bug.  Ready to wine first place? The Wicked Wine Run is offered in multiple locations across the US, so check out if they’re coming to a city near you here


Krispy Kreme Challenge

This race is not for the faint of heart...or stomach. 

The Krispy Kreme Challenge, held in Raleigh, NC, is a 5K that was started to benefit the North Carolina Children’s hospital. Their mantra? “2400 calories, 12 doughnuts, 5 miles, 1 hour.” This means that runners begin the challenge, then run 2.5 miles to a Krispy Kreme location in downtown Raleigh. 

Runners then attempt to consume one dozen glazed donuts (by themselves) and run 2.5 miles back to the start of the race. 

Think you’re up for it? The 2020 race has already concluded, but be sure to keep this annual event bookmarked for next year. 


The Color Run

Most people in the running space have heard of (or completed) this 5K event, but it still deserves to be on this list because of how fun it is! Participants of the Color Run show up in fresh white clothes. At each kilometer, runners are showered in different brightly colored powders. 

By the end of the race, your once-white clothing is a rainbow of different colors. The race concludes with a post-race party including selfie opportunities, music, dancing, vendors, and even more explosions of color! 


Ready to show your true colors? The Color Run is offered in multiple locations across the US. Find your city here


Cupid’s Undie Run

Strip down...for a good cause! Cupid’s Undie Run is about a mile long, which sounds easy, but here’s the catch: you do it in nothing but your underwear, in the middle of February. This race raises money for Neurofibromatosis (NF) research, which explains the whole running-in-your-underwear aspect: those affected by NF aren’t able to cover up their tumors. 

Ready to bare it all? Cupid’s Undie Run is coming to races all across the US in February 2020. Find yours here


Hot Chocolate 15K/5K

Calling all chocolate lovers! The Allstate Hot Chocolate 15K/5K is called one of the sweetest races in the world for a reason. This race is all about chocolate; from picking up your bib, yummy treats at fuel stations during the race, then capping it off with hot chocolate, fondue, marshmallows, pretzels, and bananas at the post-race party. 

The only thing better than eating chocolate is really earning it. Let's be honest, is there really another way to train, run, and celebrate than by using sweets as motivation. 

Find your sweet spot. The Allstate Hot Chocolate 15K/5K is offered in various locations year-round! Find your race here


Rock n’ Roll Marathon

For those about to rock (and run), we salute you! We all know how much better running is with music, which is why the Rock n’ Roll Marathon Series is bringing it to you live. We know your AfterShokz can make it sound like you’re at a concert (😉), but there’s nothing better than hearing the real thing right in front of you. 

Past headliners for the marathon include Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, OK Go, Kid Rock, and Portugal. The Man, so it’s safe to say there’s something for everyone. Cross the finish line feeling like a rockstar! 

Wanna rock n’ roll all night? The Rock n’ Roll Marathon hosts events in cities all over the world, so plan your next run-cation here


Bad Prom Run

Did you keep your prom dress from the 80s? Do you scour thrift stores on weekends looking for so-bad-they’re-good vintage clothes? Then look no further, because we’ve found the run for you. The Bad Prom Run is a 5K (or one-mile run/walk) that combines your favorite power ballads, puffy sleeves, and leotards with your love for running. 

Ready to channel your inner Whitney Houston on a day you'll never forget? The Bad Prom Run will be held in Convent Station, New Jersey on June 14th, 2020. Register here


Mud Girl Run

It’s time to get dirty. This 3-mile course is an exclusively female race (boys can check out the Tough Mudder instead) that takes you through rugged, muddy terrain filled with the most fun obstacles you’ll ever encounter. Be prepared to make your way over and under mud pits, mud crawls, giant slides, tightropes, etc. 

Ready to get down and dirty? The Mud Girl Run is put on in cities across the US. You can find your closest obstacle course here.


What fun marathons or 5k races have been the most memorable for you? Tell us about other cool races for running on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter!