Located about half an hour outside of California’s capital city of Sacramento, the town of Folsom is known for many things. If you’re a Johnny Cash fan, you probably recognize this city as the site of the musician’s famous Folsom State Prison shows. But for runners, Folsom may be better known as the home of the American River 50-Mile Endurance Run.
Self-described as “the second largest 50 miler in the United States,” the race starts in Folsom and challenges participants to reach the nearby city of Auburn. The 2024 American River 50-Mile winners all managed to complete this grueling course in under seven hours. First-place winner Jayson Hefner from Fairfield, California, completed the race with a time of 6:46:08. Check out more stats from the race here, and see some incredible photos and videos from the event below!
Many runners experience a sense of freedom while traversing a quiet trail. The American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR) takes freedom further by letting people run in just their shoes.
“The Nude Race Series (NRS) is a series of clothes-optional 5K cross-country runs hosted by AANR clubs throughout the Southwest Region and conducted on the club’s private property,” said Rick Wall, NRS coordinator for the AANR Southwest Region. “The runs are open to the public and while primarily family oriented recreational events, they are also competitive enough for serious runners to compete.”
If you’re unfamiliar with nude recreation, it might sound racy. That’s not the point at all. In its more than 90 years of existence, AANR has promoted nudism as a wholesome, natural experience while staunchly opposing sexual exploitation of the human body.
“Many who did not grow up in a nudist environment find it difficult to fully grasp the concept that regardless of age, nudists are comfortable in their own skin,” according to an AANR statement. “The human body is merely the vessel that carries us through life, and the transition from child to teen to adult for a nudist is comfortably free of much angst that textiles experience.”
Nude Race Series
The Sunbelt states are most popular for nude recreation, Wall said, because they offer year-round opportunities. Some of the upcoming races include the Skinnydipper Sun Run in Decatur, Texas, on April 27; Run, Walk, Crawl in Depew, Oklahoma, on May 11; and Bare as you Dare in Alvord, Texas, on September 16. The 5Ks happen on private nudist club properties. In its 27 years, more than 10,000 runners have participated in the Nude Racing Series.
“Our runs attract dedicated nudists as well as those curious about nude recreation,” Wall said. “A majority of the runners are in the 40 -75 age range and we have one runner that is a regular participant that is 93! Typically, approximately 75% of the runners are male.”
Don’t things get a little, well, floppy? “Many nude runs are actually clothing optional, which allows for runners to wear support if they feel they need it,” Wall said. “In actuality running nude is very natural and a large majority of runners are very comfortable running totally naked. Of course, the use of sunscreen is very important.”
Runners enjoy meeting body-positive people of all ages, creeds, genders, ethnic origins, and sexual orientations. The runs usually end with pool parties on nudist club properties. “Regardless of the reason for participation, almost all the runners enjoy the comradery and sense of community that takes place during and after each run,” Wall said.
Tired of fueling yourself along the race day course with gooey little gels? At the Hop Hop Half in Camas, Washington, running nutrients come from Peeps and jellybeans. This year, the annual spring-themed race will happen on April 7.
In addition to the half marathon, runners and walkers can choose from a 10-miler, 10K, 5K, and one-miler. Once racers finish the course, mimosas, brunch snacks, and a petting zoo await. Costumes are encouraged. There will be a chance to show them off at the end while posing with the Easter bunny. The race also offers a virtual option, but that means no Easter bunny for you.
Post-Hop Hop mimosas. / Photo courtesy of Foot Traffic
The Hop Hop has been going on for about 10 years now, says Sean Rivers, owner of the Pacific Northwest running store chain Foot Traffic, which organizes the Hop Hop Half. The exact number of years gets a little fuzzy, what with the race going virtual during the pandemic. Runners are happy to have this race back in person.
The 2023 finish line. / Photo courtesy of Foot Traffic
Why’s the Hop Hop so popular? “I think it’s just too darn cute to resist,” Rivers said. “Obviously the course is critical for any event to differentiate between other races. We’ve always found a very scenic course. The course that we use now is along the banks of Lacamas Lake and also goes through a very nice golf course and along a creek. But people don’t only do a race because of the route that it goes through. It’s about the swag, of course. Also, the post-race party is important, too. So I think we kind of hit it on all cylinders with this one.” The race caps at 1,400 participants, so it’s a boutique event.
Brunch snacks after the 2022 Hop Hop. / Photo courtesy of Foot Traffic
The route starts at Camas Meadows golf course and showcases Northwest scenery. Camas is east of Vancouver, Washington, along the Columbia River, and 20 miles northeast of Portland, Oregon.
“I just think nothing represents spring like a petting zoo,” Rivers said. Last year’s petting zoo included donkeys, goats, a pony, and a small alpaca. “I live on a farm personally,” Rivers said. “I thought about bringing my alpacas but it’s just one more thing I have to deal with. So we brought in a separate farm that brought their stuff.”
Photo courtesy of Foot Traffic
Foot Traffic has five retail running stores in the Portland/Vancouver metro area. The brand offers running camps, group runs, race training, and youth events around Portland. It also organizes several annual races in addition to the Hop Hop. The company prides itself on having super cute shirts and finisher medals for each race.
The adorable 2024 finisher’s medal. / Photo courtesy of Foot Traffic
Wondering about how Peeps can fuel your run? Each of these brightly colored marshmallow treats has 28 calories. With 6 grams of sugar per Peep, snackers will meet their recommended daily value of sugar in no time. These treats are gluten-free and fat-free, but sorry, vegetarians, they contain pork-derived gelatin. Classic yellow Peeps are the most popular color, followed by blue and pink.
Rivers endorses the yellow Peeps. “There’s something about the blue. It seems a little unnatural. But the yellow somehow just feels natural, even though nothing about it is natural at all.”
If you want to indulge in some Peep eating and donkey petting during and after a race, sign up soon before the Hop Hop Half sells out.
The amazing recreational opportunities in West Virginia’s New River Gorge are no secret. This destination was recognized as a national river in 1978 and has long been beloved by rafters. But since becoming America’s newest national park in 2020, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve has grown even more popular.
What does this place in rural West Virginia have to offer? There are over 70,000 acres of land along 53 miles of the rugged New River. You can hike, bike along an old railroad grade, raft, and rock climb. All the while, you’ll be marveling at the longest, deepest river gorge in the Appalachian Mountains. The park includes a variety of habitats that shelter rare and endangered animals. The Virginia big-eared bat, the Indiana bat, and the Allegheny woodrat all make their homes here. Rich human history is also evident, with rail and mining artifacts.
Photo by Teresa Bergen
Running at New River Gorge
Want to go for a run through New River Gorge? The New River Gorge Regional Development Authority’s Active Southern West Virginia initiative is here to encourage you. Brandon Mehlinger, an avid runner and running spokesperson for Active Southern West Virginia, wants to inspire people to get active outside.
“Two of the best trails in the New River Gorge National Park for trail running are Long Point Trail and Kaymoor Miners Trail,” Mehlinger said. “Long Point trail is a 3 mile out and back that leads you out to a stunning view of the river and the bridge. Kaymoor Miners trail takes you down through the remnants of an old coal mine area. It’s a unique trail that offers a challenging 821 step staircase at the bottom of the trail and can branch off in different ways on the way back up depending on how far you’re looking to run.”
Photo courtesy of Active Southern West Virginia
If you like to plan your travel around race events, New River Gorge offers two big days: the six-mile New River Gorge Rim to Rim Race in May and the Bridge Day 5K in October. Both involve the stunning and much-photographed New River Gorge Bridge. Runners pass under the bridge during the Rim to Rim.
“The Bridge Day 5K allows runners the only opportunity of the year to run on the Bridge,” Mehlinger said. “Runners get to see the park and all its glory from above and really get to visualize the scale of it all. Both races give runners unparalleled views of the park – one from below, and the other from above.”
Photo by Jay Young, courtesy of Active Southern West Virginia
Can’t make a race day? Drop in for one of Active Southern West Virginia’s weekly running groups in Fayetteville or Beckley to explore trails inside the New River Gorge National Park.
Originally from Connecticut, Mehlinger came to West Virginia in 2022 as an AmeriCorps volunteer. Part of his role was expanding the Kids Run Club program to more rural elementary schools. Now, he’s the program coordinator of Active Southern West Virginia and a big advocate of both community and running.
Photo courtesy of Active Southern West Virginia
“The New River Gorge National Park holds a unique allure for running enthusiasts, and it’s not just about the breathtaking scenery, although that’s certainly a major part of it,” he said. “What truly makes this place special for running is the heart and soul of the community that surrounds it. West Virginians are a close-knit group of individuals that take immense pride in their outdoors. The trails in the park follow century-old paths, revealing the history of timber and coal industries.”
Mehlinger urges people to get out on the trails to hike, mountain bike, or run. “It’s the people, the shared love for running, and the sense of community that make every stride in this park truly special.”
Have fun while you run. While typical marathons and 5Ks offer enough excitement for most competitive runners, more eccentric athletes may long for the outside-the-box activities offered by novelty races.
What is a novelty race? As you can probably guess, novelty races are running events that incorporate a new and interesting rule or gimmick. Instead of worrying about winning, runners can simply enjoy participating in a strange and joyful race.
While certain novelty races, like Tough Mudder events, have gained widespread popularity, there are plenty more intriguing running events that you’ve probably never heard about. Dive into the weird world of fun running gimmicks with this list of five strange novelty races.
Transform your running experience. While the average fun run or 5K might not offer the most glamorous views, there are some races with surprisingly lush scenery. Destination races invite runners to race along captivating coastlines, trek through fascinating cities, and dash past magnificent mountain peaks. Just imagine running your next marathon while enjoying lovely Scottish landscapes or California’s most beloved beaches. Pretty tempting, right? At marathon events worldwide, runners can make these dreamy aspirations a reality.
Today, let’s explore some of the world’s most beautiful marathons. This charming photo guide will take you on a world tour from Berlin to China, California, Ireland, and more.
When it comes to endurance running, the 5K is one of the most common and popular race lengths. While 10Ks and ultramarathons may provide longer distances and tougher challenges, most runners seem to enjoy the manageable length of a 5K.
So, what should a runner know before trying to tackle a 5K? Get your questions answered with this 5K guide full of essential information. Set yourself up for success with everything from basic details to in-depth discussions of 5K training plans. If you want to make it all the way to the finish line, here’s what you should know.
Let’s start with some basic facts. Just how many miles is a 5K? As explained in this article on half marathon training tips, the Ks in 5K and 10K stand for kilometers. One kilometer is about 0.62 miles. That means a 5K, or five-kilometer race, will be roughly 3.1 miles long. As you can probably guess, that makes a 10K about 6.2 miles long.
Compared to 10Ks, half marathons, and full marathons, 5Ks offer runners a shorter race that still manages to make them break a sweat. It’s the perfect length for beginner runners and people who can’t find the time for longer races.
How to train for a 5K
When searching for a 5K training plan, you’re bound to discover countless tips from all over the internet. Many running coaches have designed their own training schedules, and there are always people on Reddit and other forums claiming to have the best tricks for training. Block out all that noise by focusing on reliable and time-tested resources.
If you’re new to the running world, try following a regimen like the Couch to 5K plan. Created in 1996 by amateur runner Josh Clark, the Couch to 5K training plan has grown to become one of the most well-known beginner running resources. There is even a Couch to 5K app that can help guide your workouts.
But what about more experienced runners? For people looking for a 5K training plan that goes beyond beginner tips, author and long-time runner Hal Higdon provides some of the best options. Higdon’s website details 5K training plans for runners of all different levels. When you’re ready for more intense training, challenge yourself by following the intermediate or advanced plans. Each plan runs for about eight weeks.
St. Augustine’s annual 3K Raptor Run is short, flat, family-friendly, and oh-so-Floridian. Each year, entry fees raise money for conservation organizations. This year’s recipient is the nearby Audubon Center for Birds of Prey, which works to save Florida’s raptors. The race starts and finishes at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park. This year, the race falls on March 10 and begins at 8 a.m. Runners and walkers are both welcome. The route winds through the flat and attractive residential neighborhood surrounding the alligator farm.
All race participants will receive post-race refreshments, a T-shirt, and a medal. The Raptor Run’s unique medal depicts a fierce alligator/raptor hybrid with big teeth and long talons. What’s better than that? Plus, every adult who stays and buys a ticket for the alligator farm gets a free child’s admission.
Photo courtesy of St. Augustine Alligator Farm
The first Raptor Run in 2020 partnered with the Avian Research Conservation Institute to celebrate swallow-tailed kites. These graceful raptors have white bodies and deeply forked black tails. Other years, race funds have supported conservation of the large, nonvenomous Eastern indigo snake. Native to the southeastern U.S., these thick snakes look glossy black, until sunlight reveals their iridescent purple highlights.
Photo courtesy of St. Augustine Alligator Farm
Stay for the Alligator Farm
After the Raptor Run, stay to visit the alligator farm. While the focus is firmly on crocodilians, you’ll also see African birds like Cape Griffon vultures, hooded vultures, and Marabou storks. Don’t miss the Madagascar lemurs, sloths, and Maximo, a saltwater crocodile that measures more than 15 feet long.
Maximo, up-close! / Photo by Teresa Bergen
Usually, I’m leery of zoos and feel bad about seeing confined animals. But I felt better after talking to Scott Brown, the Crocodile Crossing zip line and ropes course manager. Yes, you can zipline over crocodilians. This also overrode my zoo qualms. Because how often in life do you get that opportunity?
Photo by Teresa Bergen
It was super fun to fly over gator lagoons and be up in the treetops with roseate spoonbills. Of course, building such a course was even more exciting.
Brown described the process of constructing a zip course inside crocodilian enclosures. “You’ve got to be able to go up with a ladder. And you have to build platforms on the trees off the ladders. Then you’re free hanging from the trees with straps and climbing gear.”
Yikes! All under the watchful eyes of dozens of crocs. “It was more curiosity than anything,” Brown said of being watched by all those reptiles.
Photo by Teresa Bergen
Other active things to do in Saint Augustine
If you visit St. Augustine for the Raptor Race, you’ll also find lots of other fun, active outdoor things to do. I stayed at the Holiday Inn Express Vilano Beach, which is three blocks from a long, pretty beach — perfect for catching the sunrise or going for a run. Tourists love the views from the distinctive black and white striped St. Augustine Lighthouse. Some locals buy annual passes and use the lighthouse’s 219 steps as a running gym.
Try running up these spiral stairs! / Photo by Teresa Bergen
If you want to rest your legs, join a kayaking tour. St. Augustine Eco Tours offers many on-water adventures, including kayaking by the city’s over 400-year-old downtown. Earth Kinship takes you out in the swampy Florida wilderness, where you’ll kayak amongst gators and snakes.
Kayakers paddle by Castillo de San Marcos, a Spanish fort in downtown St. Augustine. / Photo by Teresa Bergen
Come for the Raptor Run and stay for a glimpse of some Florida wildlife.
Photo courtesy of St. Augustine Alligator Farm
Disclaimer: While this article was not sponsored, Outdoors Wire did visit Saint Augustine during a press trip withFlorida’s Historic Coast. As always, Outdoors Wire operates independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.
Many Barbados visitors like lounging on the beach with a rum punch. Beach chairs can be alluring, especially when looking out at the beautiful turquoise water on this eastern Caribbean island. Still, runners have to run. So, pack your running shoes and get ready to discover everything you need to know about Barbados as a running destination.
Whether you’re looking for a place to travel for your next marathon or simply want to stay active during your vacation, Barbados has some interesting opportunities for runners. This detailed guide will tell you all about the island’s top running locations, gear availability, running clubs, and races.
Photo by Teresa Bergen
Where to run in Barbados
The south and western parts of Barbados have gentler water for swimming and flatter terrain for running. Central and eastern Barbados are hillier regions. It’s important to note that there aren’t many places set aside for running. You’ll often be sharing narrow, shoulderless roads with cars. So wear bright colors and be vigilant — especially if you’re not used to cars driving on the left side of the road. On my recent trip, I crossed the street often, trying to stay on the outside of curves and looking for the occasional stretches of sidewalk. Also, for shade. Barbados is hot and humid. Early morning runs are most enjoyable.
There are a few different types of surfaces to run on in Barbados. Beach running is a good way to stay safe from traffic, though it takes more energy to run in Barbados’ fine sand. You could do laps up and down Rockley Beach, which runs for about a kilometer on the island’s southwest side. Nearby Worthing Beach is also fairly wide. On the east side, you can try your luck on the rugged beaches between Bathsheba and Cattlewash. But the availability of beaches here depends on the tides.
Photo by Teresa Bergen
My favorite Barbados running destination was on the Richard Haynes Boardwalk on the south coast, right across the street from where I stayed at South Beach Hotel. The boardwalk is about a kilometer long, so you might want to do a few laps. There’s also a West Coast Boardwalk, which alternates with sections of beach.
You could also take a self-guided 12-kilometer runseeing tour of Bridgetown, taking in sights like historic Garrison Savannah, now a horse race course, and Nidhe Israel Synagogue, one of the western hemisphere’s oldest synagogues.
The Bridgetown runseeing route takes you by historic buildings in the Garrison Savannah area. / Photo by Teresa Bergen
Running gear
According to Run Barbados director Zary Evelyn, visiting runners should bring their own gear. Choices on the island are limited and more expensive. “I mean if you’re just someone having a little fun with it, you can certainly get the right pair of Adidas or Asics here,” he said. But if you require the latest high-tech socks, better bring them from home.
Photo by Teresa Bergen
Running clubs in Barbados
“There are a lot of informal run clubs that people can link up with,” Evelyn said. “They’re all very welcoming to people coming in.”
A good place to start is Hash House Harriers, probably Barbados’ most accessible running club since you just show up to participate. This internationally known club bills itself as “a drinking club with a running problem,” so don’t expect the environment to be too serious. On its FAQs page, one question is about inexperienced runners wondering if they’ll be left behind. The answer: “Heck no! There is often a shorter/easier/flatter walkers route available. If not, we have lots of regular hashers that walk the route so you’ll be in fine company!”
Check the website for their next run, and bring your sense of flexibility and adventure. The run will last anywhere from 45 to 120 minutes and happens rain or shine.
Run Barbados’ fun mile takes place in a historic part of Bridgetown. / Photo by Teresa Bergen
Run Barbados and other running events
Run Barbados is the island’s biggest running event and the one that pulls in the most visitors. This year, the three-day event runs December 6-8. It kicks off with a nighttime one-mile fun run around the historic Garrison Savannah. Saturday and Sunday, runners move to the rugged and hilly east coast for longer races. They can choose between a 5K or 10K on Saturday and a half or full marathon on Sunday.
Trail runners can try the Hill Challenge, held annually in April or May. This year’s race will be on Wednesday, May 1, 2024. Runners cover about 13 miles and a 3,500 feet elevation change. About 70% of the route is on trails ranging from easy to technical. The Mountain Goats are an informal group of recreational runners and some fast hikers who organize weekly training runs for the Hill Challenge starting in January.
Disclaimer: While this article was not sponsored, Outdoors Wire did visit Barbados during a press trip withVisit Barbados. As always, Outdoors Wire operates independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.
Adulthood comes with a lot of expectations. You have to take care of yourself, maintain relationships, go to work, and keep track of a million other responsibilities. It can get tiring and more than a little boring. When you do have downtime, it can be tempting to laze around the house doing nothing. But if you’re craving a little excitement to shake up the monotony of daily life, you’ll want to get up off the couch and challenge yourself. At mud runs, you can do just that. Here’s what you should know about these wild races, the groups that organize them (like Tough Mudder and Spartan), and how to get involved.
Photo by Greenville Daily Photo
What are mud runs?
As you probably guessed, mud runs are racing events where participants fight their way through a muddy course. Some mud run events up the difficulty level by including obstacles. These obstacles can range from climbing walls and slides to pits and rope ladders. The slick and unpredictable conditions of a mud race often make navigating obstacles extra challenging for runners.
This novel challenge is a huge part of mud running’s appeal. For runners who want to put their skills to the test in a unique way, mud runs provide a combination of fun and struggle that few other events offer. Some mud run events even incorporate an element of teamwork, so you can connect with others while working out.
Photo by General Views
Tough Mudder, Spartan, and other mud running organizations
Nowadays, you can find mud runs hosted by various groups throughout the United States. While these local events can be fun, beginners will probably want to start their mud running journey at a race hosted by an established organization.
As Matthew Solan, executive editor for “Harvard Men’s Health Watch,” explains, “Tough Mudder and Spartan races are the most well-known mud races.” While Spartan races and Tough Mudder events exist as two separate brands, both are owned by Spartan.
Tough Mudder and Spartan races pride themselves on helping runners “live without limits” while testing their “strength, stamina, and mental grit.” So, if both brands offer mud runs, which one should you sign up for? Well, that depends on your priorities. If you’re looking for an experience you can enjoy with a group, you’ll probably prefer Tough Mudder races. In contrast, Spartan Races are great for solo participants. Both groups are known for designing difficult races.
If you want to try something a little easier for your first mud run, seek out races hosted by groups like Your First Mud Run.
