You've worked running into your weekly routine, and your running shoes are racking up some miles. It's time to have some fun and test your training in a local road race. The 5k is a race loved by runners for its relatively short distance, and while the race is great exercise, it can be a lot of fun, too. From starting line excitement to the finish line celebration, a 5k can be a great adrenaline rush and a chance to score a fun-filled workout.
Atlanta's road race calendars are full of choices. Some races focus on the sheer joy of running, some celebrate a holiday or event and some donate proceeds to causes and charities. Some especially beginner-friendly road races focus on fun, filling a 5k course with challenges, offering a themed course, inviting runners to wear costumes or celebrating with a great post-race party.
Up for the challenge? Book a race number at one of the metro area's many fun-themed races this summer; you'll savor the satisfaction of completing a 5k and you'll get a great workout. But most importantly, you'll have a blast on the way to the finish line.
Jail-Break Challenge 5k Obstacle Run, Lawrenceville June 6
Challenge yourself on a military police-style obstacle course on this run by the Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office. You'll climb ropes, scale rock walls, swing from monkey bars and complete a 19 obstacles on the way to the finish line. Keep an eye out for escaped inmates on the racecourse, and capture one for prize.
Firefly Run Atlanta, Piedmont Park June 13
The Firefly Run's theme is light, where lasers, glowing arches and illuminated objects light the course and post-race party on this nighttime 5k in Piedmont Park. Don't forget to dress up: prizes are awarded for creativity in the Firefly Run's costume contest.
Mutt Strut 5k, Gainesville June 13
Run with your best buddy in this dog-friendly race benefiting the Humane Society of Northeast Georgia. After the race, enjoy drinks and fruit at the finish line — and grab a dog treat for your canine companion, too.
Project Search Glow 5K, Woodstock June 26
Run an illuminated race to light up the night, and light up the job-search future of young adults with disabilities. This 5k race invites runners to wear headlamps, glow sticks and glow-in-the-dark paint and attire to light up the racecourse, and offers pre-race body art painting and stroller decoration. Race proceeds benefit Project SEARCH Cherokee.
Summer Solstice 5k, Acworth June 27
Take a break from the pavement! Run through pine and oak forests and grassy meadows at Allatoona Creek Park on this trail race, winding over grass and dirt trails. The Summer Solstice 5k runs a mostly flat course, making the race great for beginning trail runners.
Atlanta BeltLine Southwest 5k, Atlanta July 11
Run through Atlanta's historic West End and Westview neighborhoods and on the Atlanta BeltLine Southwest Trail. Teamwork is this race's theme: compete for $500 cash, divided between largest, fastest and most spirited, energetic teams.
Color Outside the Lines 5k, Cumming July 11
Wear white, and get ready to be covered in color! This color-themed race benefits SAFFT and courses through the Cumming Fairgrounds. Throughout the race, color stations will throw colorful dust your way, and you'll earn your own color packet for the post-race party to enjoy even more colorful fun.
Area 13.1 + Terrestrial 5k, Roswell Aug. 22
It's out of this world. Run this flat, fast course in a nighttime race with an alien theme, and don't forget your alien-themed costume. Race proceeds benefit the Matthew E. Russell Foundation.
About the Author
