7 running events you wished were in the Philippines

Many running events have evolved from the endurance activity it was once into a fun filled activity with themes that goes from the bizarre to the unlikely. Races that feature apocalyptic scene with zombies chasing you, runners dressed in hero costumes and even obstacle races are now becoming more popular among newbies and hardcore runners.

But if you think that the last DC Comics run and the Outbreak Manila were strange enough, here are seven other themed running events around the world that will surely capture the attention of any runner.

1. UK’s Backward Run

The way forward is sometimes backward. Running in reverse (also called retro running) may not be as celebrated as barefoot running, but there are several events that are held in the world. The United Kingdom is its staunchest supporter with the UK Backward Run held in Heaton Park, Manchester. Do not be little this weird running form as they can also be as fast as running forward. World record holder Reinhard Thurner of Germany finished his 1K run in just 4 minutes and 34 seconds. Among the claimed health benefits of backward running are: burning more calories, better muscular balance and less risk of injuries.

2. Krispy Kreme Challenge

This 5 mile run in Raleigh, North Carolina is not for those who want to lose weight. Participants can consume a dozen doughnuts (about 2,400 calories in total) at the half mark of the race and finish the course in less than an hour. Casual runners are also welcome and are free to choose how many doughnuts they will consume. The last 2015 edition of this race saw more than 7,500 runners test their legs and guts (mostly their guts). Which leads us to the question: when will Krispy Kreme do it in the country?

3. The Empire State Building Run-Up

It’s time to run vertical. If you are bored of running on flat roads, why not try running (or climbing) stairs instead in what was once the tallest building in the world. We are talking about a grueling 88-floors with 1,576-stair steps which concludes on the building’s magnificent observation deck which overlooks New York City. To enter this fun event you can also enter a random lottery where a few hundred spots are given. If this concept is to be held in the Philippines, the best place to do it would be on Gramercy Residences in Kalayaan Avenue in Makati City which is 73-storey (820-feet) high.

4. Marathon du Medoc

We know that you can’t drink and drive, but how about drink and run? And when we say drink, we are not talking about sports drink in hydration stations but liquor. That’s what this race in Bordeaux, France is all about after all it is one of the popular wine producing regions in the world. Runners can stop and chug wine from more than 20 drinking posts scattered along the course with servings of oysters, fruits, cheese and other local delicacies to go along with your liquor. And yes marathoners still finishes the race despite the drunken frenzy. Here is one great idea, mix Octoberfest with a running event, preferably night time. And we shall call it dRUNk- till the booze ran dry.

5. Spartan Race

This one is for the endurance nuts who want to test their mettle in a course fit to be called a battle field. Insanity is not even qualified to describe this event which includes a 24-hour challenge of race and obstacles called the Death Race. Other categories range from the 3-miles plus, 15 obstacles Spartan Sprint to the gruelling 12 miles-plus, 25 obstacles Spartan Beast. Finishing any of these races would make King Leonidas proud (Awooo!).  In the Philippines, we have also have this kind of runs- like the Karera Lakas Pilipinas which has the same drills and obstacles used by the Philippine Marines Corp.

6. Man versus Horse Marathon

Its the classic man versus beast battle. Runners in this annual event in Llanwrtyd Wells in the UK have to outrun riders on horseback in a course with hilly terrains and shallow river crossings. It was first held in 1980 and for the next 25 years humans were thwarted by the four-legged animals proving that horses are not just fast on the racetrack. It was not until 2004, that a guy named Huw Lob raised the flag for humankind, by clocking in at 2 hours, 5 minutes and 19 seconds edging the horse named Zoe White on Kay Bee Jay which finished two minutes after Lob. Man has won only twice against beast in this race, with the second one won by Florian Holzinger in 2007.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLGVewfpTlE

7. The Chocolate Race

Here is a race that will test which one will break first- your legs or your teeth? Think of Willie Wonka’s chocolate factory (sorry but there are no Oompa Loompas on these one), only in a street setting. Chocolate confectionaries from tasteful dark chocolate bars to pastries top with this sinful threat abound on this race. Now this is one sugar rush you can’t run away from. Now where did I put that Golden Ticket?

There are limitless ideas out there on how we can enjoy our running experience. The important thing is that we are able to have fun while being healthy. Do you know other races with a bizarre theme? Write your comment below.