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8 Crazy-Fun Runs You've Gotta Try

Thinking jogging is a drag? You'll never look at cardio the same way again
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The Rave Run
With the popularity of EDM ("electric dance music," for the dinosaurs in the room), we all knew this run was coming. This un-timed "fun run" is perfect for anyone (present company included) who would much rather be doing something else, i.e. dancing, instead of running, but still wants to casually slip in that they ran a marathon at the next dinner party.

The course is surrounded by light effects designed by Electric Daisy Carnival artists and the after-party is, you guessed it, a rave. Plus, you can channel your inner college kid with this after-hours run by avoiding the typical 5 a.m. marathon call times -- the start time for this run is around 8:30 p.m. Just don't forget your glow in the dark gear!

More Info: theraverun.com

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Hot Chocolate 15/5K
As a chocaholic, I personally think "America's Sweetest Race" comes with the highest payoff for all those months of hard training. After you power through your 5 or 15K, you're granted access to the post-race party, where you're flooded chocolate, chocolate, and more chocolate in both liquid and solid varieties. Runners' mugs are filled with hot cocoa and everyone indulges in toasty chocolate fondue and other dip-able treats. Proceeds to go the Ronald McDonald House Charities program.

More Info: www.hotchocolate15k.com

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The Undie Run
Let's face it: we all hate wearing pants. If we didn't have to, we probably wouldn't. Instead of burning calories getting dressed, the Undie Run allows you to focus all of your energy on running for a good cause. Originally intended for college co-eds to raise funds for Cancer for College, an organization that awards college scholarships to cancer survivors, organizers are now working to get the entire community involved in stripping to their skivvies in the name of fundraising, a.k.a. "the sexiest charity work you can ever do!" as MTV so accurately put it.

More Info: undierun.com

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Warrior Dash
As the world's largest obstacle race series, the Warrior Dash isn't for the faint-hearted (or out of shape). The 3-4 mile course is riddled with 12 extreme obstacles with daunting names like "Warrior Roast" (yes, fire is involved) and "Storming Normandy." If you make it out in one piece, you get to celebrate the conquest of the battleground in true warrior spirit with turkey legs, beer steins, and live music. Proceeds go to St. Jude's Children Hospital.

More Info: warriordash.com

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Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend
Disney is home to a full range of Disney-themed races -- Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge for the not-so-coordinated, The Dopey Challenbfge for the even less-coordinated, a family fun run, and a Disney race just for the kids. Jogging through the Happiest Place on Earth has major perks -- along with a unique tour of the park, you get a high-fives from Disney characters and priceless photo ops along the way.

More Info: www.rundisney.com

Blame it on my crappy knees or a childhood filled with organized sports that regularly used sprints as punishment, but I hate running. I complain about it on a daily basis, and yet, I drag myself to the treadmill and force myself to run to reap its cardiovascular benefits, to continue to fit into my skinny jeans, and because the gym's TV is my only access to cable (a girl's gotta watch "Breaking Bad" live before the spoilers get tweeted left and right).

Another reason I continue to log hours on the belt that never ends? I know it's only a matter of time before I give in and become a part of the latest themed marathon/run/race trend. My parents are doing it, my friends are doing, and my friends' parents are doing it ... but the real draw is that themed races seem to actually make running -- dare I say it -- fun. The magical combination of a cause, some fresh air, a comically large finish line, memorabilia, and cheering crowds seems to cancel out all the panting and scowling I've grown accustomed to.

So as I approach my inevitable treadmill burnout phase, I decided to start eyeing my options by rounding up the top themed races that promise to make running fun. Not only do these give participants something to look forward to, but they also keep training motivation high, donate to great causes, and disguise one of the most loathed exercises with enviable Instagram photos and after parties. Which one would you like to try?

BY ERICA SMITH | SEP 30, 2013 | SHARES
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