Color splashing, zombies, ravers: 3 spring ‘fun runs’ for beginners

by Brittany Anas · April 2, 2013

By Brittany Anas

Are you the type who prefers to only run when being chased or when there are projectiles — like, say, a football — involved? We get it. The Boston Marathon, the grand-daddy of all road races and the oldest in the United States, is scheduled for April 15, but, let’s face it, a 26.2-mile race isn’t for everyone.

So, we’ve taken the opportunity to scout out some of the nation’s best “fun runs”, ideal for beginners wanting to get their feet wet. Or colored with powder. Or dripping with “zombie blood.”

Here are our top three spring runs for beginners:

The Color Run: You begin in plain white clothes at the starting line. But by the time you make it to the finish line of this race, you look like rubbed up against a rainbow and then a box of Crayola crayons melted all over you and then a bag of Skittles exploded in your face. At each kilometer marker, volunteers blitz you with a colored cornstarch powder: 1K is yellow, 2K is blue, 3K is green, 4K is pink and 5K is a whole rainbow of colors. Hands-down, this is the perfect run for beginners, because, not only is it not timed, but there’s a lane for those who want to walk the race, too. And, it can be a family affair as kids are welcome. More than 60 percent of participants are first-time 5K runners and the race is being dubbed the “Happiest 5K on the Planet.” Race organizers expect there will be more than 100 events nationwide in 2013, with 1 million participants.

(Best shoes for the race: Multi-colored Saucony Lightweight running shoes from DSW because they’re already so colorful, it won’t matter if they’re splashed with a rainbow of powder).

Click here to see when The Color Run is coming to a city near you.

The Rave Run: Does the idea of waking up before sunrise for race day make you flinch? The Rave Run is a night-time 5K, infused with electronic music and a light show. Each participant gets a glow-in-the dark bracelet and pair of glasses and — woot! — there’s an after party! (Duh. It is called a Rave Run, after all.) Race time depends on the location, but most begin around 8 p.m. Organizers say the run is focused on being happy and healthy and to run in a nocturnal world of lights — so, no, drugs won’t be tolerated.You can walk the race if you’d like and it’s not timed.

(Best shoes for the race: Neon yellow and purple New Balance running shoes from DSW. $69.95)

Click here to see when The Rave Run is coming to a city near you.

Zombie Race: The “Run for Your Lives” 5K and obstacle course is tailored to runners who need to be chased. Asked how participants should train for the race, organizers have this to say: “Run. Watch some zombie movies. Run some more.” Zombies try to capture the flags that runners wear. If you make it to the “safe zone” (i.e. finish line) with at least one of your flags still in tact, you get a “survivor” medal.

(Best shoes for the race: New Balance running shoes from Finish Line, $149.99)

Click here to see when the “Run for Your Lives” race is coming to a city near you.

Top photo courtesy of The Color Run. Bottom photo courtesy of DSW.