Theme 5Ks and Fun Runs are Gaining Popularity
It seems like running a 5K is the new happy hour. There’s a spate of glow-in-the-dark races, 5K courses that look like a zombie battlefields, and races that give you one more chance to make use of that ugly, old prom dress. At Hub Health, we are fans of anything that gets you out of the house for something athletic, even if looking like a fool is a part of the workout. You’d think that participants of these races are mainly college kids, or 20-something guys that still live like they’re in college. But as Boston pointed out in June, the demographics for these extreme races are not what you think: soccer moms, families, and even senior citizens are getting in on the action. Here are five of the more “out there” races coming soon to our area:
This is not the after party. Rave Run photo via Facebook.
The Rave Run (Boston dates coming soon): Wow, the 90s really are back. Yet, if it really was the 90s the the words “rave” and “fun run” would not show up in the same sentence (we’d know). The Rave Run is a night time 2.5 to 3.1 mile fun run created for “runners, artists, and insomniacs.” Pulsing lights and loud electro-music fill the course and runners dress in as much glow-in-the-dark attire as possible. Of all the fun runs, this one is sure to have the craziest after party.
Will you be there when we bring the night to LIFE?! #cosmicrun #cosmicrun5k http://t.co/t3NrT2r7UH pic.twitter.com/9HymnXv59U — Cosmic Run (@cosmicrun5k) July 13, 2013
Cosmic Run (Boston October 19th): The Cosmic Run seems like a mix between the Color Run and the Rave Run. Glow-in-the-dark colored powders shower you along the 5K nighttime course. The event is about “pushing the limits of human senses” according to their website. The after-party brings together live DJs and a light show to reward you for your run.
Electric Run image via Facebook
The Electric Run (Boston October 4): Another nighttime glow-in-the-dark 5K that lights up the route with pulsing music and high-tech lighting. This race makes the dressing easy because each participant gets a “glow kit” (glow necklace, glow glasses, glow bracelet, and more) and runners are encouraged to further self-illuminate with neon and fluorescent. This popular race has been hosted by a bevy of celebrities from Seth Rogen to no-pun-intended Carmen Electra.
Mmmm brains…Zombie run photo via Facebook
Run For Your Lives aka “The Zombie Run” (New Hampshire September 7th): This day time race (refreshing) tests your speed, strength, and endurance through man-made and natural obstacles. But unlike other extreme races, you do all of that all while being chased by zombies. Yes, zombies. Apparently, the zombie craze just won’t die. (This time, pun intended.) After the race, hang out for the “apocalypse” party.
Stop for your awful prom pic pre or post race. Bad Prom picture via Facebook.
Bad Prom (Boston date coming soon): The Bad Prom fun run is another nighttime glow-in-the-dark run with a twist. The 5K retro party run encourages you to wear your worst prom dress, or the ugliest one you can find in a thrift shop. Each kilometer has a new “bad prom” theme like Fairy Tales, Under the Sea, and Titanic. (Someone should tell these guys that “under the sea” and “Titanic” could be the same, no?) If running in a costume is your thing, then this race is sure to please, even if you go stag. Of course, there’s a dance party after the race.
