Even for the most dedicated runners and exercise enthusiasts, the desire to run ordinary 5k after ordinary 5k may be running close to empty. From color bombs to zombies and everything in between, here a few unique and upcoming 5k’s in the Philadelphia area so racers can keep on running for the thrill of it.
Color Me Rad 5k
Date: June 16th, 2013
Location: Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia
The Color Me Rad 5k is a race that is less about speed and more about enjoying a crazy day. For this race, runners are asked to wear as much white as possible. Along the 3.1 miles in Fairmount Park, there are 8 different color stations where runners are bombarded with powdered color bombs or liquid paint guns. The website recommend the race to anyone who wants to benefit both the Special Olympics of Philadelphia and their own cardiovascular system, unless you are allergic to cornstarch or unbridled joy.
Also Try:
The Run or Dye Race: June 14th at Citizen’s Bank Park
The Philadelphia Color Run: July 14th, 2013 at the Art Museum
The Electric Run 5k
Date: July 20th, 2013
Location: Fairmount Park in Philadelphia
The Electric Run is a 5k that is held at night. Participants are encouraged to sport as much neon attire and as many glow-sticks and accessories as possible as they race along a route of laser lights shows synchronized to music.
The Zombie Run
Date: April 7,2013
Location: Franklin Delano Roosevelt Park in Philadelphia
In this 5k, runners literally run for their life through obstacles and apocalyptic mayhem. At the starting line, there is a flipped tanker truck which is the source of “toxic infection.” After the first kilometer, zombies will began to chase runners and try to pop their latex ballon-hearts. Throughout the race there are vaccination hydration stations, military personnel handing out face masks, and helicopters circling overhead. All participants are invited to a special “quarantine party” after the finish line.
Also Try: The Walking Dead Escape on April 21st at the Wells Fargo Complex
Tristate Area 5k Foam Fest
Date: June 22nd and 23rd, 2013
Location: Raceway Park in Englishtown, NJ
Think of it as a human car-wash. Participants race through a course marked by foamy water obstacles like a blow up slide and other things that seem to be straight off an episode of “Wipeout.” There are even obstacles along the lake at Raceway Park so runners will finish cleaner than they started.
Pennsylvania Spartan Sprint 5k
Date: July 13th-14th, 2013
Location: Blue Mountain Ski Area
For those who aren’t afraid to get dirty while they run, the Spartan Sprint is a grueling 5k stacked with obstacles courses to challenge every muscle in your body. Obstacles include rope swings, tires, tunnels, and more. Most runners are covered head-to-toe in mud when they finally cross the finish line.
Also Try: The Tough Mudder 10-miler on June 2nd, 2013 at Jaindl Farm in Lehigh
Uncle Dave’s Ice Cream Hog’N’Jog
Date: March 18th-April 30th (register ahead of time)
Location: Shady Brook Farms in Yardley
In this run, you first run two miles down and around Shady Brook Farms. Then, you eat a quart of their homemade ice cream (1680 calories!) and run the rest of the way back. There is also an option for half-hogs, which consists of a two mile run and 1 pint of ice cream.