Don’t like to run but you DO like to party? Then you MUST sign-up for one of these outrageous races!
Chicago
The Loop
The buildings you’ll see on this trek are so beautiful there’s actually a school of architecture named after them (the Chicago School? Come on man, college wasn’t that long ago).
5K Foam Fest
Don’t worry, no need for warm layers for this wet and wild 5K that’s a combination of Double Dare and Wipeout. With obstacles like a 50-foot slip-n-side and a free beer at the finish line (not much of an obstacle, really), your main concern will be finding time for the bouncy castle, because one must always find time for the bouncy castle.
New York City
The Five Bridges
Just as many bridges as the NYC Marathon, with none of the hassle of getting peed on. The shortest route takes about 16 miles and hits the 59th Street, the Pulaski, the Williamsburg, the Manhattan, and Brooklyn bridges.
The NYC Pizza Run
An annual 2.25 mile romp around the East Village’s Tompkins Square park, the Pizza Run is entering its fifth year of challenging endurance, both cardio and cheese related. Totaling of three laps around the park, each lap finishes with a slice of local heaven — a piece of pizza from a rotating cadre of pie joints. Hopefully a piece of local antacid is also included at some point.
San Francisco
Big Sur
Whether you choose a half-marathon, 5K, or even an ultra marathon, nothing can beat the splendor of the Pacific coast or the Los Padres National Forest. But keep an eye on more than the scenery.
Ragnar Relay
A multi-day, overnight, occasionally costumed (super heroes, cartoon characters, and more are common) race with teams of 11 people conquering 200 total miles, the Ragnar attracts a surprising cadre of the hardcore, amateur, and those willing to travel long distances in questionably smelling vans (it’s a relay, so while one guy runs the rest drive to the next handoff).
Las Vegas
Grand Canyon Rim to Rim
From the South Rim to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon is a good 40+ miles round-trip. The two trail options, The South Kaibab and Bright Angel, offer differing challenges: the former is rockier but shorter, the latter is smoother and longer.
Color Vibe 5K
Because it’s not Vegas without a party, the Color Vibe has participants running, jogging, hopping, or ambulating however they want… all while pelting each other with multicolored paint. The party with food, drink, and music that caps the race features a multi-hued horde of racers high on fun… and non-toxic, biodegradable dyed cornstarch.
Miami
Miami Beach Boardwalk
Because beautiful sites are good, but gazing on the beautiful people of South Beach definitely also has its merits. From 21st street to 46th, it’s about two miles of beaches, bodies, and, if you choose to leave the boardwalk, sand… which has its own challenges.
Electric Run
This is Miami. So this is 5K of hard beats, black lights, furry costumes, DJs, and enough functionless glasses to put Kanye West to shame.
Source: Thrillist
