If coaching’s beginning to really feel somewhat boring, otherwise you’re simply craving one thing completely different, signing up for a race outdoors the standard 5k or half marathon could be precisely what you want. We did the analysis and located some distinctive races throughout the nation (and world!) which may not be in your radar…. but.
This listing dives into all the pieces from quick, thrilling one-milers to robust 19 mile challenges in among the most unimaginable locations on the earth.
These races are quirky and difficult and a few even include fairly epic views. They’re the proper approach to shake issues up and perhaps even put somewhat further pep in your step!
10 Distinctive Races to Add to Your Record
#1 Newport Spirt Run 1 Miler
Date: March 15, 2025
Location: Newport, California
Distance: 1 Mile
Spirit Run is an excellent quick 1-mile race that’s enjoyable for all the household. There are a number of occasions arrange all through the day from Elite races to a canine mile and even a 5k. This race began again in 1983 and has grown right into a 1,000+ particular person occasion that runners look ahead to 12 months after 12 months.
Canine are often not welcome at races however they certain are on the Newport Spirit race weekend. You may join the Canine Mile and convey your 4 legged buddy to run alongside you!
The occasion not solely creates an unimaginable race day expertise however provides again to the neighborhood as nicely!
Olympian, Steve Scott has participated within the race each single 12 months and has even set the world document for working essentially the most sub 4 minute miles (137times!!!).
Picture credit score: Newport Spirit Run
#2 Ohio State 4 Miler
Date: April 13, 2025 *change from the standard fall date*
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Distance: 4 Miles
In the event you’re a giant school soccer fan, this race is one you undoubtedly ought to add to your listing. It’s the biggest 4-mile race within the US with 12,000 individuals!
The course loops across the Ohio State campus and the most effective half is that the end line is correct on the 50 yard line of the soccer subject. Simply consider while you’re watching a soccer recreation on TV and might say you ran on the sphere!
It’s an effective way to have a good time health and soccer.
This race often is in the course of the fall soccer season however has lately been modified to a spring race date.
Picture credit score: m3ssports
#3 Shamrock Shuffle 8K
Date: March 23, 2025
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Distance: 8k
One other ode to St. Patrick’s Day and one to kick off the spring working season in Chicago. You by no means know what to anticipate from the climate for this race however that doesn’t matter since you’ll be too busy having enjoyable. It has grown in recognition because it began and now has over 24,000 individuals!!
This race is a bit more carefree and individuals are inspired to decorate up in costume as they take within the streets of downtown Chicago.
Town is flooded by runners wearing inexperienced and sporting the standard pom-pom hat that’s given as race swag.
Race the 8k for a private finest, have enjoyable working with associates, or be a spectator and watch the Elite subject fly by.
Picture credit score: Chicago Endurance Sports activities
#4 Wharf to Wharf Race
Date: July 27, 2025
Location: Santa Cruz, California
Distance: 6 Miles
Wharf to Wharf is definitely one of many largest summer time occasions of its sort on the West Coast. Elite runners present as much as take a look at their pace however loads of others come only for the race day expertise.
In the event you’re trying to take a look at your health, this flat course provides you with that. In the event you’re searching for a race that feels extra like a celebration, that is additionally it! Count on dwell bands, balloon arches, and the neighborhood making numerous noise.
The power is nonstop from the beginning line to the end subsequent to the seashore, making it a type of occasions you’ll need to run a minimum of as soon as.
Be sure to set a reminder to register for this one as a result of it sells out inside a mere few hours. You don’t need to miss your probability of grabbing one of many 16,000 spots!
Picture credit score: Wharf to Wharf Race
#5 Lilac Bloomsday Run 12K
Date: Could 4, 2025
Location: Spokane, Washington
Distance: 12k
A race based by Olympic marathoner, Don Kardong, in honor of the well-known Irish author James Joyce. Sounds somewhat random, proper?
Nicely Bloomsday is the vacation that celebrates Joyce’s life and his well-known writings like Ulysses – and in line with Kardong – “a highway race is an odyssey, not not like the one Ulysses endured in his return to Ithaca after the Trojan Conflict, a journey described in nice element by the Greek poet Homer.” – Bloomsday
A little bit of a mouthful – however this 7 1/2 mile “odyssey” by the streets of The Lilac Metropolis (Spokane) is a fantastic celebration. It attracts nearly 35,000 runners, walkers, wheelchairs, children and stroller pushers, principally one tremendous huge occasion!
The course is filled with leisure to maintain your spirits excessive. Prepare for rock bands, stomach dancers, and even accordion gamers. You by no means know what you’ll see (or hear) across the subsequent nook, however one factor’s for certain is that it’ll be a race expertise you gained’t neglect.
Picture credit score: Bloomsday Run
#6 Nice Aloha Run
Date: February 17, 2025
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
Distance: 8.15 Miles
In the event you wanted an excuse to guide a visit to Hawaii, this race could be it! The 8.15-mile run by Honolulu is the biggest race within the state and was named one of many “100 Nice Highway Races” by Runner’s World.
The course is flat and quick, excellent if you happen to’re chasing a PR, however the actual draw is the views. You’ll run previous Honolulu Harbor and cross the end line within the iconic Aloha Stadium, dwelling to the College of Hawaii soccer workforce.
True to its title, “Ke kukini me ke aloha pau‘ole,” which means the race with compassionate love, this race welcomes everybody. It’s all about celebrating the journey, regardless of the way you cross the end line.
A enjoyable truth: of the roughly 25,000 individuals of the race, about 5,000 of them are members of US Armed Forces.
Picture Credit score: Nice Aloha Run Fb
#7 Boilermaker 15K
Date: July 13, 2025
Location: Utica, New York
Distance: 15k
Certain, a 9.3 mile run within the July warmth might not sound like essentially the most enjoyable factor however the residents of Utica know learn how to make the most of the canine days of summer time! Boilermaker Week is every week lengthy celebration of summer time enjoyable and health.
Not up for the 15k? There’s a 5k and loads of child pleasant occasions too. Plus, the week ends with a giant submit race occasion excellent for all the household.
This race has began to promote out reaching its cap of 10,000 runners. It’s an excellent aggressive subject if you happen to an elite and if you happen to’re not working it’s undoubtedly one to spectate.
Despite the fact that it’s an excellent hilly and difficult course, it’s nonetheless one which’s making its approach to the highest of many runner’s must-do lists.
Picture credit score: Boilermaker 15k
In search of a coaching plan? Try our FREE 10 Mile Coaching Plan. It will possibly provide help to put together for among the races on this listing that aren’t the traditional 10k or half marathon distance.
#8 Marine Corps 17.75K
Date: March 22, 2025
Location: Dumfries, Virginia
Distance: 17.75k
We all know 17.5k is such a random distance however there’s a motive behind it. It’s a singular race to have a good time the 12 months the Marine Corps was based. In the event you’re a historical past buff (or simply love a superb problem), this one’s value including to your listing. Only a heads up, it is a race that’s recognized to promote out!
It is a smaller race with round 3,000 runners, so if being round folks helps to maintain you motivated this one could also be somewhat on the quiet facet.
March in Virginia can throw something your means, rain, snow, chilly…..however if you happen to’re up for hills and unpredictable climate, the commerce off is a shocking, history-filled course.
Alongside the way in which, you’ll wind by the wooded trails of Prince William Forest Park earlier than reaching the historic Battle of Belleau Wooden, simply outdoors Quantico Base.
PLUS these individuals who cross the end line robotically qualify for the Marine Corps Marathon.
Picture credit score: Marine Marathon
#9 Charleston Distance Run
Date: August 30, 2025
Location: Charleston, West Virginia
Distance: 15 Miles
Referred to as “America’s 15-Miler,” this race is a can’t-miss occasion for runners round West Virginia.
That is the one 15 mile race within the nation and hasn’t fairly but grown to be as massive as different races on this listing with about 1,000 individuals. We all know that it’s an excellent distinctive distance however it’s excellent if you happen to want an extended coaching run for a fall marathon!
Don’t let the flat begin and end idiot you, this course is a difficult one! Be ready to battle just a few uphill miles by the West Virginia State Capital and journey all by the streets of downtown Charleston, earlier than ending alongside the historic riverfront.
If the 15 miler seems like an excessive amount of, don’t fear there are three occasions that weekend. Create a relay workforce to cowl the 15 miles or join the 5k, there’s one thing for everybody to participate within the enjoyable.
Picture credit score: Charleston Distance Run Instagram
#10 King Island Imperial 20
Date: March 9, 2025
Location: Tasmania, Australia
Distance: 19 Miles
Prepared for an journey? This 19 mile race in Australia is certainly one value touring for! Because the nation’s solely coast-to-coast run, it takes you from the seaside city of Naracoopa throughout King Island, ending within the coronary heart of Currie.
This could be an important supported long term if you happen to’re coaching for a spring marathon. Now we don’t count on you to journey internationally only for a coaching run however hey it might be enjoyable!
The race continues to be tremendous small with about 100-150 individuals. The race has been round for 30+ years so even with the smaller dimension, it’s nonetheless one which whereas difficult, has some runners returning 12 months after 12 months.
The folks is what actually makes this race particular. Previous individuals rave concerning the unimaginable hospitality, with locals going out of their approach to make runners really feel welcome.
Meals, enjoyable, hospitality, and extra… that is a type of races you’ll be speaking about for years.
Picture credit score: Tasmanian Highway Runners
In the event you’re after a brand new problem or simply want a break from routine discovering distinctive races could make working thrilling once more. You by no means know, somewhat change could be precisely what it’s worthwhile to enhance your motivation and preserve coaching enjoyable.
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