Running or walking from the starting line to the finish line is no longer the norm when it comes to racing. From mud runs to obstacle courses, get ready to do more than just get from point A to point B.
We’re rounding up some of the craziest (and fun) races around.
The Color Run
If you don’t mind getting your running gear covered in paint and you’re looking for something a little different from the average race, the 5-kilometer, untimed Color Run might be for you. Participants are doused in colorful paint at each kilometer of the race, leaving them looking like leftover canvases rather than runners. Also referred to as “the happiest 5k on the planet” the Color Run only has two rules: Wear white at the start line, finish plastered in color.
The Glow Run
This 5-kilometer race takes place at night and it’s all about glowing in the dark as you run or walk the course. The course features multiple black-light zones, a glowing finish line and of course, runners wearing glow-in-the-dark gear. This fun race also features music at multiple spots along the course to keep you moving and motivated.
Mudderella
Use your stamina, willpower and strength to get through the 12 to 15 challenging obstacles at any Mudderella event. Designed by women, these obstacle courses are not competitive races; instead, they are meant to challenge participants and show them just how strong they can be. It’s pretty much guaranteed that along the 5- to 7-mile course you’ll get dirty, you’ll be sore but you’ll definitely have fun.
The Zombie Run
While you might think you stumbled across the set of World War Z or The Walking Dead, all those zombies you see are just running a race. The Zombie Run is a 5-kilometer race that pits runner against the undead masses. Either register as a runner (running away from the zombies) or as a zombie who will be chasing the runners. Runners are given three flags that must remain intact when they cross the finish line (don’t let a zombie get one or it means you’re infected). Once you finish the race you can become a zombie (and vice versa). Zombie makeup is provided.
Neon Splash Dash
Kind of a combination of the Color Run and the Glow Run, the Neon Splash Dash is another colorful race where you end up doused in neon “glow water.” As you run, walk or dance (there’s music) through the nighttime course you’ll be sprayed in different colors that glow in the dark at various intervals, or “glow zones.” Following the race there’s an “after glow” party where you can mingle with your fellow runners and dance the rest of the night away awash in neon hues.
The Tap ‘N’ Run
What’s better than running? Running with beer, of course. The aptly named Tap ‘N’ Run combines a short 4-kilometer course with multiple “beer chug” stations where participants can enjoy 5 to 6 ounces of beer. Once you cross (or stumble) over the finish line, a full-size beer awaits you. Participants run in teams and are encouraged to dress up or coordinate their running gear by theme — the sillier the better. Bottoms up!
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