You may not normally think about enjoying a smorgasbord of chocolate treats after a 5k race or being chased by a zombie as you run, but that's just what some wacky Georgia races offer. When you're ready to liven up your racing with a fun twist, try the following five offbeat races in the area:
>>RELATED: 5 races night owls can run around in Atlanta
Firefly Run 5K
April 23, 2017, Piedmont Park. fireflyrun.com/locations/atlanta.
Don your LED lights and crazy costume and run through Piedmont Park at night while supporting local charities. Stick around after the race to enjoy live entertainment and participate in a costume contest.
Hot Chocolate 15k/5k
Jan. 22, 2017, Centennial Park. hotchocolate15k.com/atlanta.
The fun starts in advance of race day, when you'll be able to receive a race bib and goodie bag and enjoy some chocolate samples while the kids romp in a bounce house. At the race, you can choose between 5k and 15k distances and enjoy sweet stations along the route. At the end, you'll be able to have a sampling of decadent chocolate treats.
Superheroes vs. Villains 5k
Oct. 15, Marietta. marietta.com/superheroes-vs-villains-5k.
Dress up as your favorite superhero or villain, or make up a character of your own. If you'd just like to participate without dressing up, there are also "citizens" in the race (runners without costumes). A costume contest will award prizes for best male and female superheroes and villains.
The Bacon Run/Walk 5k
Oct. 8, 2016, Marietta. thebaconrun.net.
Who doesn't love bacon? There will be "fists full of bacon" at The Bacon Run/Walk 5k, as well as pork rinds, bacon biscuits and other bacon-flavored treats from vendors. Stay for the after-party and enjoy the music and ... you guessed it, more bacon-themed food.
Zombie Run
Oct. 29, 2016, Perry. zombierun.com.
This interactive run lets you don a flag football-like belt and get chased by "zombies" who are trying to get your flags. Run as an individual or as part of a team, and put on your best creepy-looking makeup and/or wig. If you finish the race out of flags, you get an "infected" medal, and if you still have any flags at the finish line, you'll earn a "survivor" medal.
