Racing through the U.S.
Central Ohio is rife with fantastic races and fitness events. With events such as Pelotonia and the New Albany Walking Classic in our back yard, central Ohioans, and particularly New Albany residents, are spoiled. But what else is outside of New Albany and even Ohio? Check out these cycling, swimming, running and walking events around the U.S. You might just find your next bucket list item.
Around the Nation
Dirty Kanza
- June 2
- www.dirtykanza.com
- Flint Hills, Kansas
For masochists looking for a grueling event, Dirty Kanza features 200- and 100-mile events. Paved, flat roads won’t be found here.
Walt Disney World Marathon
- Jan. 7
- www.rundisney.com
- Orlando, Florida
What’s more fun than running through the parks in the happiest place on earth?
Big Sur International Marathon
- April 29
- www.bigsurmarathon.org
- Big Sur, California
This marathon spans the nation’s first nationally designated Scenic Highway, and is open to both runners and walkers.
E.T. Full Moon
- Aug. 25-26
- www.calicoracing.com
- Area 51, New Mexico
UFO sightings aren’t guaranteed, but this race – with 5K, 10K, half and full marathon, and 51K options – starts at midnight and promises a lot of extraterrestrial fun.
Little Rock Marathon
- March 3-4
- www.littlerockmarathon.com
- Little Rock, Arkansas
This self-proclaimed “race for every pace” welcomes children and racewalkers, encouraging marathoners to enjoy Southern hospitality and scenic Little Rock in their own ways.
WIN for KC Triathlon
- July 28
- www.sportkc.org
- Smithville Lake, Missouri
Lyn Lemaire became the first woman to complete a triathlon in 1979, and now, a Missouri triathlon exists solely for female racers.
Escape from Alcatraz
- June 3
- www.escapealcatraztri.com
- San Francisco, California
Escaping from Alcatraz isn’t easy, but you can try. Swim from Alcatraz Island, cycle through the Great Highway and Golden State Park, then run through the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
Bloomsday Run
- May 6
- www.bloomsdayrun.org
- Spokane, Washington
This enormous 12K is open to runners, walkers, wheelchairs, assisted wheelchairs and strollers.
Manchester Road Race
- Nov. 22
- www.manchesterroadrace.com
- Manchester, Connecticut
Started in 1927, the Thanksgiving Day Manchester Road Race is one of New England’s longest-running races. Costumes make this 4.75-mile race a colorful sight for tens of thousands of spectators.
Central Ohio Races
The Arnold Pump & Run 5K
- March 4
- www.arnoldsportsfestival.com
- Columbus
For every bench press done, each racer receives a 30-second deduction from his or her run time. The Arnold also features a standard 5K for non-lifters still looking for fun.
New Albany Walking Classic
- Sept. 9
- www.newalbanywalkingclassic.com
- New Albany
This walking-only event features a competitor and non-competitor division, and is marked by gorgeous New Albany views, abundant volunteers and killer swag.
Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon
- Oct. 21
- www.columbusmarathon.com
- Columbus
The Columbus Marathon has raised more than $6 million for Nationwide Children’s Hospital, and both runners and walkers are encouraged to participate in either the full or half marathon.
Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure
- June 16-23
- www.goba.com
- Throughout central Ohio
With a course that runs about 50 miles per day through Delaware, London, Circleville, Lancaster and Newark, the Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure is perfect for a fitness-focused central Ohio tour.
Pelotonia
- Aug. 4-6
- www.pelotonia.org
- Throughout Ohio
Pelotonia has become a point of statewide pride, raising over $26 million for cancer research since its inception. It hits especially close to home with its 55-mile routes beginning in New Albany and 80- and 45-mile routes ending here.
Honor Ride for Project Hero
- May 26
- www.projecthero.org
- New Albany
The Honor Ride aims to bring purpose back to the lives of veterans. With 14-, 31- and 67-mile options, each bicyclist rides with meaning, and wounded vets ride for free.