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Races are becoming more eccentric by the moment. In fact, if you can dream it, there’s probably a theme run around it. We’ve corralled eight of the quirkiest races around. Be there, or be bored.
Color Run. This series of 5K runs held around the country is about as playful as races get. Participants are encouraged to wear white, and race volunteers douse runners with colorful powders at each kilometer of the course. It makes for a truly unique race T-shirt to take home. Proceeds from each race also support local charities. Find out more at thecolorrun.com
Zombie Run. Ready to run from the walking dead? This scary race pits participants against zombies, who literally chase you around a 5K course. Also on the task list: maneuvering through a series of obstacles, such as a blood pit, smokehouse, and maze. You’ll probably be frightened into moving faster! Learn more at runforyourlives.com.
Empire State Building Run Up. If you prefer to take the stairs, this advanced-level race is for you! Participants scale 1,576 grueling steps to reach the top of the iconic NYC skyscraper. The women’s course record, set in 2006 by Andrea Mayr, is 11:23. Think you can top that? Sign up at nyrr.org, and click on “Races and Events” and “Empire State Building Run Up.”
Santa Speedo Run. This Boston holiday tradition, now entering its 13th year, is almost as beloved as the Boston Marathon. You’ll see runners clad in Christmas-colored underwear and festive, blinking lights, as they stride through 3.2 miles of Boston’s Back Bay. Whether you’re a runner or an observer, we suggest you catch these, um, interesting outfits on camera. Find out more at ssrunners.org.
Krispy Kreme Challenge. This college tradition, which begins at the Memorial Beltower at North Carolina State University, charges participants to run 2.5 miles, stop at a local Krispy Kreme, eat one dozen donuts, and then race 2.5 miles back to the start. The (other) kicker: You must finish in less than an hour. Good luck holding down those donuts! Test your gastro gusto at krispykremechallenge.com.
Tutu Relay Race. Why pass a baton, when you can pass a tutu? Set in the Florida Keys, runners compete as teams in this 10K race and “tag” their compadre by passing a tutu. And you can’t hold it; you have to wear it. The minimum number of teammates is two, but there is no maximum, so recruit all your friends. We suggest pink sparkles. Check it out at themeruns.com/home/tutu-relay/.
Bay to Breakers. Almost anything goes in this San Francisco 12K, a community staple for more than 100 years. Runners are encouraged to wear the most fabulous outfits that they can think of. Prizes are awarded to costume winners. Get more details at baytobreakers.com.
Run Disney. Get your dose of Mickey, Snow White, and fitness in this series of running events that span the Disney grounds. Events include a 5K, 10K, half marathon, marathon, and “Goofy” and “Dopey” challenges that take place over several days. The best part: Well, you’re at Disney, of course! Book your vacation run at rundisney.com.
