The Top Five Upcoming Races in Columbus

By Molly Duerre on February 24, 2013

As an athlete and an avid runner, I am always on the lookout for the best races. After careful consideration and a lot of research, I have compiled a list of upcoming races in the Columbus, Ohio area that I think offer something for every type of athlete. Here are the five best races that made the cut:

1. Survival Race 5K, March 2nd

Advertised as a family-friendly mud race, this event offers a way for beginners and pro-athletes alike to get dirty and have fun. Prepare yourself for a series of obstacles, such as scaling walls and crawling through mud pits. This year, the Survival Race is partnering with the Arnold Sports Festival 2013, and your $79 registration fee includes admission to the Arnold Classic, which is happening the same weekend. Get ready for a photo-op: recently, Arnold Schwarzenegger himself announced that he will be making an appearance at the starting line of the Race. Your registration also includes an official t-shirt, food and drink, a post finish line party, and an official finisher’s dog-tag.

Check it out here: http://thesurvivalrace.com/columbus-oh-5k-race-2013/

2. The Glo Run, April 6th

Get ready for a whole different kind of party. This race is not timed, so you can focus purely on having a blast with your family and friends. Starting at dusk in Genoa Park, the Glo Run is an over-the-top race that celebrates everything about lighting up the night. With your $35 registration fee comes a glow-in-the dark t-shirt, three pieces of “swag” (glow-in-the-dark glasses, necklaces, and bracelets), and all manner of special effects (i.e. strobe lights). Whether you run, walk, dance, or cartwheel your way to the finish line, you are guaranteed to have a blast at this nighttime extravaganza.

Get pumped up here: http://www.theglorun.com/

3. Lifetime Indoor Tri, April 7th

Even if you’re not a member of the Lifetime Fitness community, you can still be a part of this national effort to be active. This series makes it easy for beginners to participate in their first triathlon and also for seasoned athletes to challenge themselves. No matter your athletic capabilities, in just 60 minutes, you will be able to call yourself a triathlete. Rather then being measured by distance, this event includes a 10-minute swim in a lap pool, 30 minutes on a stationary bike, and finishes with 20 minutes on the treadmill. If you can’t make the April 7th event in Easton, try for the March 3rd triathlon in Dublin.

More information can be found here: http://www.indoortri.com/

4. Capital City Half Marathon, May 4th

This year marks the 10th anniversary of Columbus hosting its series of spring races. If you are not confident that you are ready to run 13.1 miles quite yet, you can sign up for the Patrón Quarter Marathon or the Commit to Be Fit 5K. If you register for any of these races before March 31st, the fees are $80, $60, and $40 respectively. Your entry includes a technical running shirt, a finisher’s medal, and a post-race party. The half boasts “the greatest tour of Columbus on two feet,” beginning at the Scioto Mile, passing through Ohio State’s campus, the Short North, Arena District, and finally German Village. As if you needed another reason to challenge yourself, the official charity of the Cap City Half is the American Cancer Society. Every step you take will help us move closer to a cure!

5. The Color Run, July 20th

The Color Run has become affectionately known as, “The Happiest Race on Earth.” As another race that isn’t timed, you are free to focus all of your energy on having the best time in your life. Witness yourself as you become a moving rainbow. You begin this race in all-white clothing and as you pass each kilometer marker, volunteers toss colored powder on the course. The party doesn’t end once you cross the finish line. Your efforts will be rewarded with an after-party filled with even more color, food, and amazing DJs. Boast about becoming a Color Runner with your official Color Run t-shirt, included in your $40 registration fee.

Join the party here: http://thecolorrun.com/