What are the best 5k/10k's to run in each state?

mbhomishak

My mom and I are planning to run either a 5k or 10k in each state across the US. I was wondering what some of the best and most fun races are. We want to do races that are unique to the state (no color run, zombie run..etc) At this point we have already completed races in the following states:

Arkansas
Florida
Oklahoma
Texas

rllewell

In Charlotte, NC which is NASCAR crazy they have one that finishes at the Charlotte Speedway. It is a 1/2 Marathon and 5K where you finish at the checkered flag on pit row and enjoy a past-race celebration in the garages. March 8-9, 2014.
http://www.nchalfmarathon.com/

There is another one that finishes on the football field of the Carolina Panther's Stadium.

I just run local 5K's where I live here in NC.

mjgrin

Alaska doesn't really have too many fun 5ks. The Jingle Bell Run in Anchorage is alright, but kind of scary if you aren't used to running in snow.

Have you heard of www.runningintheusa.com ? They have races for most states on there.

JenMc14

There's the Sunburst in South Bend, Indiana. You get to finish on the 50 yard line at Notre Dame's football stadium. Sunburstraces.org

There's also the Big 10 Network 5k/10k. It was in Chicago this year, I think it's always there, not sure, though.

You could do a Disney race (Disneyland, since you've already got Florida). Maybe one of the Rock 'n Roll series? I bet the one in Vegas is super cool.

omma_to_3

For MI, pick something on Mackinac Island: http://www.runmackinac.com/

Or, the Detroit Free Press half marathon: http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/index.ssf/2013/10/check_detroit_free_presstalmer.html

scorpio516

In Mass, the BAA runs a 5K the day before the marathon. Finish line is the marathon's finish line.

Also, unlike the rest of this state, it's a flat course.

rllewell

Alaska doesn't really have too many fun 5ks. The Jingle Bell Run in Anchorage is alright, but kind of scary if you aren't used to running in snow.

4th of July in Seward has the Mount Marathon race which is running straight up a 5,000 ft. mountain and straight back down. I lived in Alaska for 16 years.

redredy9

California: its a 12K but close enough! Bay 2 Breakers in San Francisco. A peep/tortilla flinging war at the start, costumes, music, gorgeous scenery, lots of crowd support, you pass buffalo and finish at the beach! There is also a big festival with food and a costume contest afterwards. There are lots of drunks and people partying way too hard but if you are running you'll pass them and get to the festival before they do assuming they even manage to make it that far.

Its so much fun. People get really creative and go all out with their costumes. I've seen wrestlers carrying an actual ring, with card girls and the whole nine and disco floats fully equiped with sound systems and disco balls.

akdollie

The Alaska Run For Women in June is a must do! It's a 5 mile not 5k but very worth it and for a great cause. My mom, daughter and I have done it for the last 4 years together.

mbhomishak

These are all AWESOME suggestions! Thanks guys! We are super excited to sign up for our next race.

Booda101

Cooper River Bridge Run is a 10k race held in Charleston, SC in April. I'm thinking of giving that one a go myself. Bridgerun.com

Amandatorie

In South Boston there's a St. Patrick's Day 5K. Southie on St. Patrick's day is definitely a pretty cool, local event. :-)

admibo

They have a 1020 in San Diego that's suppose to be along the beach front. Might be worth checking out. This race is 10 miles not 3 or 6 miles.

cwsikes

Crescent City Classic 10k in New Orleans is one of the biggest road races in the state I believe and has some unique experiences along the race course.

kristy6ward

Columbus, Ohio just held their first Ohio State 4 Miler on November 10th. The course is around Ohio State campus and the race ends on the 50 yard line inside Ohio Stadium, otherwise known as the Horseshoe or the Shoe. The medal was awesome, an almost 3 dimensional replica of the stadium. They plan on making it a yearly event, so if you're in the area in November, it would definitely be one to check out.

Also, the Capital City Quarter Marathon in May or the Emerald City Quarter Marathon in August are nice ones to run, with great finisher medals. M3S Sports is a good local (to columbus) race organization, that hosts several event throughout the year, you can check them out.

Also! the Air Force Marathon at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, they offer both 10k and 5k distances. It takes place in the middle of September. OR! The Flying Pig Marathon in Cincinnati in May also has a 10k/5k option. Or the Cleveland Marathon 10K/5K option in Mid-May, their medal has a spinning guitar.

Sorry.. I'm new to running and am very excited about finding new races to run in the area.

duckiec

The Wilson Bridge half would take care of both VA and MD- nice scenic run over the bridge that connects the two, just south of DC.

The Marine Corps Marathon and 10k are well known- you have to enter a lottery to be chosen to participate. Those are in VA. Army 10-miler is a lottery, too, in DC. Cherry Blossom 10miler and 5k is supposed to be a beautiful run - also a lottery. DC folks like their runs, I guess. There are several 5ks in Annapolis, MD, which is a cute town. Have fun!

alpine1994

In South Boston there's a St. Patrick's Day 5K. Southie on St. Patrick's day is definitely a pretty cool, local event. :-)

There are also 5Ks all the time along the Charles River in Boston. The views are so gorgeous!

HeatherRM14

Cellcom race in Green Bay, WI if you're a football fan. You run through Lambeau field right before the finish. It has a 5K, 1/2 & full marathon

pplf2001

St. Patrick's Day 5K in Baltimore, Maryland

Turkey Trot 8K in Buffalo, New York

KeithAngilly

For CT, check out this: http://www.hartfordmarathon.com/

Their events are usually well organized and well run.

Have fun!

timeasterday

Here in Georgia the Peachtree Road Race on July 4th is the largest 10K in the world. 60,000 runners take part in this race. This year was my first (and first 10K) and it was a great time!

CarmineDeMarco

In New Jersey, check out the George Washington Bridge Challenge, which offers both 5K and 10K events. http://community.acsevents.org/site/TR/CommunityFundraisingPages/CFPFY10Eastern?pg=informational&fr_id=46723&type=fr_informational&sid=186793

mrk1185

In Li'l Rhody I'd recommend the Amica 5k (usually lines up with the Newport Marathon series) which lets you run along the ocean in Newport. It's a lovely view of the state (the course is a little hilly, and sometimes it's cold because it's in late October).

DebLee

Fort Myers Florida has some great races to attend.
Each February is the Edison Festival of Lights. Its a full week celebrating Thomas Edison. It is a 5K that goes across a river. Thousands come from around the US for the week long party/events.
Each Veterans weekend the YMCA has a 5K run. This year they hosted their first Glow 5K. Started at 7 pm.
Last Sunday was the first ever fort Myers Beach 5K, half marathon and full marathon. Started on the island and ended on the island.

Nothing like running a beach for a few days before or after a race.

scorpio516

For MI, pick something on Mackinac Island: http://www.runmackinac.com/

Or, the Detroit Free Press half marathon: http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/index.ssf/2013/10/check_detroit_free_presstalmer.html

Also in Michigan, while not a run, there is a 5 mile "event" over Mackinac Bridge (the bridge is closed to pedestrians 364 days a year): http://www.mackinacbridge.org/annual-bridge-walk-7/

des618

Maine has the Beach to Beacon which is a very popular 10k
http://www.beach2beacon.org/

cjcolorado

For MI, pick something on Mackinac Island: http://www.runmackinac.com/

Or, the Detroit Free Press half marathon: http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/index.ssf/2013/10/check_detroit_free_presstalmer.html

Also in Michigan, while not a run, there is a 5 mile "event" over Mackinac Bridge (the bridge is closed to pedestrians 364 days a year): http://www.mackinacbridge.org/annual-bridge-walk-7/

YES! The Mackinac Island runs are fun and BEAUTIFUL!

I've run in many states, but I usually run half marathons; however, one of my most *unique* races is a clothing-optional 5K just outside of Spokane, WA, on the Kaniksu Nudist Ranch called the "Bare Buns Fun Run" (Link potentially NSFW: http://www.kaniksufamily.com/?page_id=4 ). It has a very fast downhill and you can run clothed, or...if you dare...strip off clothes before the finish and get a coveted "Nude Finisher" shirt). The medals are, uh, unique, as well!

A bit longer, but also in Spokane, WA, is the Bloomsday 12K, which is one of the largest timed road races in the US (50,000-60,000 runners per year). http://www.bloomsdayrun.org/

Another of my favorites is in New Braunfels, TX (in the Hill Country, south of Austin, north of San Antonio) held in conjunction with the Wurst Fest, a German heritage festival. It's the "Wurst 5 Miler" and finishers are treated to bratwurst and beer at the finish. Yum. http://www.athleteguild.com/running/new-braunfels-tx/2012-wurst-5-mile-run

Sounds like a fun goal!

rllewell

Not one I'd recommend here on MFP but it is becoming popular.
10th Annual Krispy Kreme Challenge will be February 8, 2014
http://www.krispykremechallenge.com

2400 calories, 12 doughnuts, 5 miles, 1 hour. The mantra of the Krispy Kreme Challenge epitomizes the test of physical fitness and gastrointestinal fortitude. What started as a challenge among ten friends has transformed into a nationally publicized charity race, and the number one tradition to complete before graduating from North Carolina State University.

Participants begin the Challenge at the Memorial Belltower on the campus of North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC. Runners then travel 2.5 miles through historic downtown Raleigh to the Krispy Kreme located at the intersection of Peace and Person Streets, where they attempt to consume one dozen original glazed doughnuts. The hardest part of the Challenge awaits them as they run 2.5 miles back to the Memorial Belltower

udphirho98

The Ukrops Monument Avenue 10k in Richmond, VA. So much fun! It's usually the last weekend of March/first weekend of April. The 2014 race is March 29.

http://www.sportsbackers.org/events/monument-avenue-10k

CheeksBryant

Mississippi

Pass to Bay Christmas - 10k Dec 21st - Pass Christian MS
Run for Rescues (great organization - Natchez MS (also beautiful place to visit) but that's this week Nov16
Mardi Pardi - Bay St. Louis MS - March 1
Lords of the Mud Extreme - Madison MS April 5

DebLee

Fort Myers will be hosting their first Color Vibe 5K Jan 4, 2014. It's not timed, but people are encouraged to walk or jog to get the most color on them. I haven't tried it yet, but I am trying to get together a team from my office to jog it.