7 Next Level Running Events You Won’t Regret Joining

Running events are typical weekend activity in Metro Manila and practically almost everywhere in the country. So much so, that almost every Sunday there is at least one or two are held on its roads.

The best things about fun runs are they are for everyone- not only for those who want to be fitter but also for those who want to experience the joys of running together with friends or family.

And by now, almost everyone has experienced joining these races at least once. However, if you want more than just the average running event, this article lists down seven kinds of fun runs which add more elements to the usual running activity.

1. Trail Run

Often, you just want to get out of the overcrowded city and go somewhere quieter and closer to nature. If you are an adventure seeker and want to experience running in a different terrain (other than concrete), then you should seriously consider joining a trail running race.

Photo via Spin.ph

It’s like mountain climbing but with a bit faster pace. You get to run on different surfaces such as gravel, rocks, mud, and grasslands. Depending on the route you may also cross rivers, thread along hanging bridges or even do some ascents using ropes. Don’t worry as you also have aids stations just like your usual fun run where you can hydrate and re-energize.

These races are held in nearby places such as Rizal, Laguna, Pampanga, Batangas and Moutain Province (just to name a few). They are guaranteed to take your breath away not only by the running itself but also because of the scenery you get to see along the way.

2. Obstacle Run

Running can be somewhat monotonous at times, given that you are only making one motion. If you want to spice up your fun run experience, then you should book an obstacle race. While shorter than the popular 21K half marathons, obstacle runs can work out your upper and lower body, while testing out your mental strength.

Photo via Spartan Race PH

Other than running, you will also crawl, lift, jump, climb and swing just to get pass through several obstacles. If you are an adrenaline junkie, then this kind of race will get you supplied with more than your daily dose.

Be warned though, that obstacle runs are harder and tougher than your usual fun runs. Because of this, we recommend that you do several exercises that strengthen your overall physique such as cross-fit and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to get you fully prepared on race day.

3. Night Run

If there is one thing that bothers me about fun runs is that you have to wake up very early (like 3:00 A.M. or even earlier) just to get in time to the race’s event venue. And because not everyone is a morning person, especially on Sundays, there should be races that are done later in the day. And this is where night runs come in.

Photo via RunSociety.com

Running at night is an entirely different experience. Sure, you don’t get to see the majestic sunrise, but in exchange, you get to look at the city’s street lights and nightlife. In other words, it gives you a different perspective than that of a morning run.

Some organizers also make use of lighting effects, such as glow in the dark, black lights, and bright headlights to give it a more festive ambiance. Add in the loud music (and sometimes a concert) on the event ground, and you got yourself a party right after your run.

4. Concept or Themed Run

You don’t need to be competitive (setting personal records) to enjoy a fun run. Race organizers know this, which is why they created the concept or themed runs. What is it you ask? Well, they are races that have a central theme- like wearing Superhero costumes, or running with your dog and even running in your underwear!

Photo via Starwars.com

The idea of a concept or themed is to promote excitement among runner participants by introducing several fun activities during the race. They are also used to promote events (i.e., upcoming movies), or products targeted on a specific group of people.

While many of these events are promotional gigs, there is a certain allure that makes it one of the most participated kind of runs. Now, if only they could bring in the Star Wars run in the Philippine shore (just like they did in Singapore).

5. Color Run

When someone thought of adding color into fun runs, they must have figured out the secret sauce. Color runs are one of the most popular kinds of fun runs today. Its primary market tends to be the younger generation, but even those who aren’t millennial enjoy them just as much.

Photo Via LittleRunningTeacher.com

Color runs are races where they decorate each runner with different colors as they run the race course. At several stations, they throw colored powder on participants and at the end of the race- a runner is in a colorful mess (well, in a good way). And who wouldn’t want to have a selfie after having experienced an explosion of colors?

You also need to worry as the powders they use are safe and non-allergenic. The colors also tend to come off your body and clothes easily just by using water and regular soap. One thing you can’t wash away though is fun memories you have after every color run.

6. Vertical Run

If you’re tired of running flat courses, why not take your game to a higher level. Vertical runs provide a rare opportunity to run upwards covering several floors of a building. You may finish faster than any road races, but that doesn’t mean your legs and lungs won’t get their usual workout treatment from running.

Photo via CNN Philippines/ Shangri-La the Fort

These types of races are also quite tricky because participants have to take the stairs to get from the bottom floor all the way up to the top of the venue’s structure. During the recent, Kerry Sports Vertical Run 2017 at the Fort BGC, participants climbed 59 floors and took 1,353 steps to get to the finish line.

The most rewarding part of any vertical run is actually to see a magnificent view overlooking the city’s landscape. Be warned, though you need to undergo a different training than that of road running. A must try for any running enthusiasts!

7. Beer Run

You read it right! A fun run with some beer chugging action as participants run towards the finish line. Along the route are several stations where runners are required to drink beer (sometimes wine or other beverage). Often it’s a beer station every few hundred meters or so; sometimes longer depending on the race organizer.

Photo via WhenInAngeles.ph

The most famous running event of its kind is the Beer Mile Run– a 1.6-kilometer race with 4 beer stations. A beer run is one of the few moments where drinking beer won’t produce guilt on your health. After all, you are going to burn much of the calories anyway!

The best part of a beer run is actually to see if you can finish the race sober. And what’s waiting at the finish line, you ask? Why more beer, of course.

Which of these next level fun runs do you want to try this year? Write us a comment below and don’t forget to share if you like this article.

++Feature Image Credit: Hardwarezone.ph