Soar beyond your comfort level and the couch by embracing your inner aggressiveness for a stimulating and electrifying run that will leave you feeling energized and renewed. Sign up for the chance to experience being drenched in dirt, soaked in paint and covered in success. Jog, crawl, sprint and jump your way through some of the most thrilling runs in all of South Florida, detailed below.
The Color 5K Vibe Run
When: Feb. 22 at 9 a.m.
Where: South Florida Fairgrounds at 9067 Southern Blvd. West Palm Beach
Registration deadline: day of the race
Website: thecolorvibe.com
Experience a run blasted with more color than you’ve ever seen. While running the 5K, countless varieties of colored powder, paint and chalk will be exploded onto the participants by large cannons set up throughout the course.
The Great Amazing Race
When: March 1 at 2 p.m.
Where: Tree Tops Park at 3900 SW 100th Ave. Davie.
Registration deadline: day of the race
Website: greatamazingrace.com
Slip into your competitive suit for this race filled with surprises, as teams of two will race around a 1-mile course in competition with other teams. This unique race provides clue cards at each station, directing teams to perform silly tasks, such as dressing up in tutus, before continuing to the next challenge station.
Spartan Race
When: April 12 and 13 at 8 a.m.
Where: Oleta River State Park at 3000 NE 151st St. North Miami
Registration deadline: April 9
Website: spartanrace.com/miami-obstacle-racing-super-spartan-miami-2014.html
The Spartan Race is for athletes who are seeking a hard-hitting challenge. The race includes three different courses: the 3-mile “Sprint,” the 8-mile “Super,” and the 10 to 12-mile “Beast.” These courses are designed specifically to test one’s fitness level, both mentally and physically. During these events, participants will run, hurdle, and crawl their way through countless obstacles — including water, barbed wire and mud — in reach for the finish line.
Merrell Down and Dirty Obstacle Race
When: May 18 at 7:30 a.m.
Where: Zoo Miami at 12400 SW 152nd St. Miami
Registration deadline: May 15
Website: downanddirtymudrun.com
Be prepared to clean mud out of your hair for days after this event. Each event has two course options: the 3-mile race or the 6-mile race. In addition, there are more than 20 challenging obstacles. Participating in this race also gives runners the chance to support our troops. Half of the registration costs will go to Operation Gratitude, a charity that sends care packages to deployed soldiers.
