Bucket List & Interesting Races
Thanks for visiting! This is a personally-curated bucket list of races that I would like to keep on my radar. Have you run any of these?
The races are listed by month and may include the last date (or very old date) they were run rather than the next future date. I expect this list will be updated extremely irregularly.
I like races that take runners to places not normally open to the public, so this list has a few of those. Other races on the list will include those with themes I personally find interesting or meaningful, and charity beneficiaries I would like to support, especially animal rehabilitation centers and other wildlife or environmental causes.
JANUARY
Key West Half Marathon & 5K in Key West, Florida
next running: January 18-19, 2025
why run: This popular, long-running event has a great course around Key West.
The Gumby 10K and 5K in Granite Bay, California
last running: January 27, 2024
why run: This race has a fun trail course. The main reason this one is on the list is because I've always thought the classic claymation character of Gumby was pretty funny, and because in 2013 my husband and I adopted (foster failed) a kitty that came with the name Gumby.
FEBRUARY
Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon, 10K, 5K in Las Vegas, Nevada
next running: February 22-23, 2025 (previously in November)
why run: This is a popular race put on by Rock'n'Roll Running Series. The unique course goes through the Las Vegas Strip at night.
MARCH
Gate River Run 15K in Jacksonville, Florida
next running: March 1, 2025
why run: This 15K is one of the world's largest races and is semi-local for me. It has a fun course that goes over the St. Johns River.
Whooping Crane Strut 10K, 5K and 2M in Rockport, Texas
last running: March 9, 2024
why run: A race that highlights an endangered bird species? I'm there.
United Airlines NYC Half Marathon in New York, New York
last running: March 17, 2024
why run: This race course runs through Times Square and other iconic NYC sites
Race to the Cave Half Marathon in Woodville, Alabama
last running: March 23, 2024
why run: What a neat course! It goes through Cathedral Caverns at the end, for 1.2 miles. There is also a 10K option and both races have a very generous cut-off time.
Bunny Wabbit Run Half Marathon, 10K and 5K in Libertyville, Illinois
last running: March 30, 2024
why run: I'd love to run this trail race in one of my favorite parks close to where I grew up (Independence Grove).
APRIL
Cooper River Bridge Run 10K in Charleston, South Carolina
next running: April 5, 2025
why run: The course for this popular race includes a run over a big impressive bridge!
Aquarium Run Half Marathon, 10K and 5K in Jenks, Oklahoma
last running: April 6, 2024
why run: This race benefits the Oklahoma Aquarium.
Oak Barrel Half Marathon in Lynchburg, Tennessee
last running: April 6, 2024
why run: The course for this popular race passes Jack Daniel's Distillery. It's a challenging, hilly course.
Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Run in Washington, D.C.
next running: April 6, 2025 * The 2024 lottery will open in early December 2024 *
why run: I've never seen the cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C. and I want to! The race course starts and finishes near the Washington Monument and passes the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, George Mason Memorial, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, among other city sites. A 5K run-walk is also available on 4/6/24.
Steam Train Half Marathon in Essex, Connecticut
last running: April 13, 2024
why run: Beat the train? Race the train? Sounds interesting, but I'll need more info on logistics. Seems like the race has a 3-hour cut-off, but a sub-2:30 beats the train?
California Classic Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K in Fresno, California
last running: April 13, 2024
why run: The half and 10K run through parts of Chaffee Zoo, and finish inside Chukchansi Stadium (minor league baseball).
7 Mile Bridge Run in Marathon, Florida
last running: April 13, 2024
why run: This race has a unique course over one of the world's largest bridges. Run from Knight's Key to Little Duck Key. Runners must beat the bridge -- exact pace to maintain unknown. Note: plenty (150+) of 13+ minute-mile runners in 2022 results.
Valley Forge Revolutionary 5-Mile Run in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania
next running: April 13, 2025
why run: Run through Valley Forge National Historical Park
This Race is for the Birds 10K and 5K in Gerrardstown, West Virginia
last running: April 20, 2024
why run: This race supports the Potomac Valley Audubon Society. If it's for the birds, it's on my list.
Vidalia Onion Run Half Marathon and 5K in Vidalia, Georgia
last running: April 27, 2024
why run: I like the idea of food festival runs, and I like Vidalia onions, so why not?
Jekyll Island Turtle Crawl in Jekyll Island, Georgia
last running: April 27, 2024
why run: This race benefits the Georgia Sea Turtle Center.
Night Owl 5K at Panola Mountain State Park near Atlanta in Georgia
last running: April 27, 2024
why run: This race supports the AWARE Wildlife Center. Runners will find education animal ambassadors on the course of this night time race.
Jim Thorpe Area Running Festival in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania
next running: April 26-27, 2025
why run: These scenic runs include full and half marathon, plus a 7-miler with a scenic train ride to the start line. The full marathon is steady 1-2% downgrade from start to finish, making it a popular BQ race.
Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
next running: April 27, 2025
why run: This popular memorial race has an interesting course that runs by Oklahoma City landmarks.
MAY
Flying Pig Marathon in Cincinnati, Ohio
next running: May 2-4, 2025
why run: This is a big one! Flying Pig is a very popular race weekend with multiple events and challenge opportunities
Indy Mini Marathon in Indianapolis, Indiana
next running: May 3, 2025
why run: Part of the run is on the Indianapolis Speedway. I'm not interested in car racing but running on the Daytona Speedway has always been fun so I'd be game to run here as well.
Aliens vs. Astronauts 5K in Houston, Texas
last running: May 4, 2024
why run: This race takes place on the property of Starport Houston and features a fun theme with lots of costumed participants.
Lilac Bloomsday Run 12K in Spokane, Washington
next running: May 4, 2025
why run: This is another race held in conjunction with a fun-sounding festival -- the Spokane Lilac Festival. Lilacs are some of my favorite flowers.
Tulip Time Run 10K and 5K in Holland, Michigan
last running: May 4, 2024
why run: This race is held in conjunction with the Tulip Time festival. With my husband's Dutch heritage I'm interested in this festival and running during the event.
Dino Half Marathon and 5K in Vernal, Utah
next running: May 10, 2025
why run: Outrun extinction with this downhill point-to-point half marathon!
Broad Street Run 10-Miler in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
last running: May 5, 2024 | Lottery opens early February ?
why run: This is the country's biggest 10 Mile race, mostly on one road: Broad Street. I've heard good things about this popular lottery-entry race.
Lincoln Tunnel Challenge 5K in Weehawken, New Jersey
last running: May 5, 2024
why run: This race takes runners through the Lincoln Tunnel, which spans two states. The race is mostly under water!
Leiden Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K and 5K in Leiden, the Netherlands
last running: May 11-12, 2024
why run: I'd love to participate in this event that takes place in a beautiful city I lived in before I became a runner. The event includes four distances. The full (6 hour time limit) and half (3h) take place on Saturday; the 10K (90 minute time limit) and 5K (no time limit) take place on Sunday.
Running with the Cows Half Marathon & 5K in Kansas City, Missouri
last running: May 11, 2024
why run: This race boasts a great rural course and apparently has an amazing post-race feast.
Run the Bluegrass in Lexington, Kentucky
last running: May 11, 2024
why run: This race is known for having an extremely pretty course with rolling hills through horse country.
Beer Lovers' Marathon in Liège, Belgium
last running: May 12, 2024
why run: The course offers 15+ Belgian beer aid stations! Music everywhere. Course includes a run along the Meuse river through Liège. 6h30m time limit.
Tulip Festival Road Race 10K and 5K in Orange City, Iowa
next running: May 17, 2025
why run: This race is held in conjunction with the Orange City Tulip Festival. It sounds like a fun festival and I like the idea of festival races.
Bay to Breakers 12K in San Francisco, California
next running: May 18, 2025
why run: This extremely popular race is known for its festival atmosphere and many, many costumed runners!
Marine Corps Historic Half Marathon in Fredericksburg, Virginia
next running: May 18, 2025
why run: The course goes through historic downtown streets, and you'll find Marines at finish line.
Denver Colfax Half Marathon in Denver, Colorado
next running: May 18, 2025
why run: This race runs through the Denver Zoo.
Michael J. Fox Foundation Chicago Run/Walk 5K and 1-Mile in Chicago, Illinois
last running: May 19, 2024
why run: Part of the course is on the outfield of Guaranteed Rate Field, home of the Chicago White Sox.
Bolder Boulder 10K in Boulder, Colorado
next running: May 26, 2025
why run: This is one of the largest 10K races in the world and known for its party atmosphere and large Memorial Day tribute in Folsom Field.
JUNE
Redlegs Run in Cincinnati, Ohio
last running: June 1, 2024
why run: This event, that includes a 10K, 5K, and 1-mile run, finishes inside Great American Ballpark, home of the Reds. Race entry also includes free photos and a ticket to an upcoming Reds game.
Covered Bridges Half Marathon in Woodstock, Vermont
next running: June 1, 2025
why run: This race has a scenic course that winds through and by covered bridges!
Run for the Zoo 10K and 5K at the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, Illinois
next running: June 1, 2025
why run: I'd love to run this race in and around the popular zoo in my old hometown.
Run Bear Lake Marathon and Half Marathon events in Idaho, Wyoming, Utah
next running: June 6-8, 2024
why run: 50 staters (not me) can knock out three states (Idaho, Wyoming, and Utah) in three days at this unique running trifecta event that offers a full marathon and half marathon each day.
Into the Wild Running Festival 10K or 5K in Keenesburg, Colorado
next running: June 8, 2024
why run: This race goes through (and benefits) a 789-acre large animal rescue where runners will see big cats and other large exotics.
The Ryan Walsworth Spear-It 5K in Mears, Michigan
next running: June 8, 2024
why run: This race is put on in conjunction with the National Asparagus Festival. I did this virtually a couple of times and I'd love to attend in person some day.
Slacker Half Marathon and 4 Mile Race in Loveland, Colorado
next running: June 22, 2024 (always the 4th Sunday in June)
why run: This race boasts itself to be the highest downhill half in the country. It's an all downhill course, ya slackers!
Lambs Farm 5K Fun Run in Libertyville, Illinois
next running: June 29, 2024
why run: I'd love to run at this special place that I've visited so many times, growing up nearby.
JULY
AJC Peachtree Road Race 10K in Atlanta, Georgia
next running: July 4, 2025
why run: This is an extremely popular, large race that always takes place on Independence Day.
Run to Home Base in Boston, Massachusetts
next running: July 27, 2024
why run: You get to run on the field at historic Fenway Park! This is a charity race that has a relatively high fundraising requirement ($550 - $750 for 2022)
Running with the Balloons 5K in Readington, New Jersey
last running: July 30, 2023; event may be discontinued?
why run: Racers will run through hot air balloon festival launch area. The race is held in conjunction with Festival of Ballooning.
AUGUST
Kruger Park Half Marathon in Skukuza, Kruger National Park, South Africa
next running: August 3, 2024
why run: What a place to run! Arthur and I visited the Kruger in 2023 and can't wait to return. This popular, limited race uses a lottery system (opens about 11 months prior).
Beach to Beacon 10K in Cape Elizabeth, Maine
next running: August 3, 2024
why run: This is a point-to-point course along beautiful Maine coast; race founded by Joan Benoit Samuelson.
Akron Marathon Race Series Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 8K in Akron, Ohio
next running: August 10, 2024
why run: Run on Goodyear’s Akron Proving Grounds and World Headquarters (normally restricted property).
Shawshank Hustle 7K in Mansfield, Ohio
next running: August 10, 2024
why run: You'll start/finish at the Ohio State Reformatory, where part of the Shawshank Redemption was filmed. The course passes filming sites as well. Prison tour ticket included. Guards vs. Inmates challenge, beat the warden, fun gimmicks.
Not Since Moses 10K and 5K in Lower Five Islands, Nova Scotia
next running: August 24, 2024
why run: Run the ocean floor during special low tide conditions! "For just a few hours, on just a few days of the year, the tides are low enough in this area of the Bay (of Fundy) to run the ocean floor. It's muddy, it's rough, it's a blast!" 5K is an out-and-back; 10K is point-to-point and must be completed in 1 hour 15 minutes or you'll be swept out to sea!
Skokie's Backlot Dash 5K in Skokie, Illinois
next running: August 24, 2024
why run: This race is part of Skokie's Back Lot Bash festival; I'd love to run this one which is close to where I grew up.
SEPTEMBER
Bird-in-Hand Half Marathon in Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania
next running: September 7, 2024
why run: This race goes through Amish Country and has a great spread afterwards; fun *real* horseshoe medal.
Saints Kickoff Run 5K in New Orleans, Louisiana
next running: September 7, 2024
why run: You'll start in Champions Square festival grounds and finish on the 50 yard line of Caesars Superdome, home of the New Orleans Saints.
Race to Wrigley in Chicago, Illinois
next running: September 14, 2024
why run: This is a no-brainer for a Cubs fan!
5K RAPTOR Run in Milford, Ohio
next running: September 14, 2024
why run: This race benefits a local raptor rescue and education center, RAPTOR Inc.
Orca Half in Seattle, Washington
next running: September 15, 2024
why run: This race has a flat course with beautiful Seattle city and Puget Sound views.
Conquer the Cave 5K in Woodville, Alabama.
next running: September 22, 2024
why run: The race course goes through Cathedral Caverns for a .6 mile out-and-back.
Prairie State Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K in Long Grove, Illinois
next running: September 28, 2024
why run: I'd love to run this race through this picturesque town close to where I grew up
Chicago Half Marathon and 5K in Chicago, Illinois
next running: September 29, 2024
why run: This race shuts down LSD!
OCTOBER
Spacerock Trail Race Half Marathon, 10K and 5K in Vasquez Rocks, California
next running: October 5, 2024
why run: The race takes place in Vasquez Rocks Natural Park, familiar backdrop for TV shows including Star Trek.
Fall Foliage 10K and 5K in Waynesboro, Virginia
next running: October 12, 2024
why run: See pretty fall foliage and attend Fall Foliage Art Festival
Urban Bourbon Half Marathon in Louisville, Kentucky
next running: October 12, 2024
why run: This is a popular race with great spread afterwards.
Run Conch Republic Half Marathon & 10K in Key West, Florida
next running: October 13, 2024
why run: Formerly the Southernmost Half, this race has a scenic course on Key West.
Chicago Marathon in Chicago, Illinois
next running: October 13, 2024
why run: World Marathon Major, my #1 most wanted future marathon
Fall Foliage Half Marathon and 5K in Rhinebeck, New York
next running: October 13, 2024
why run: Run through beautiful fall foliage!
End of the Road Half Marathon & 4 Miler in Waterfall, PA
next running: October 19-20, 2024
why run: Run on the old Pennsylvania Turnpike, including 5 miles of tunnels! There is a half marathon each day to accommodate a larger number of runners.
Om Die Dam Half Marathon & 8K in Hartbeespoort, South Africa
last running: October 28, 2023
why run: This was a cute town Arthur and I visited in September 2023 and I'd love an excuse to return
Marine Corps Marathon in Arlington, Virginia
next running: October 27, 2024
why run: This race boasts a scenic course through Washington, D.C. with Marines along the way.
NOVEMBER
Marshall University Marathon and Half Marathon in Huntington, West Virginia
next running: November 3, 2024
why run: Finish in University football stadium and carry a football over the finish line
Dollywood's Light the Way 5K in Sieverville, Tennessee
next running: November 8, 2024
why run: Race through beautiful holiday lights in Dollywood theme park!
Rocky Run Half Marathon, 10 Miler, and 5K in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
next running: November 9, 2024
why run: This is a Rocky-themed race, looks like fun (but note that it does not go up Philadelphia Museum of Art stairs).
Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K in Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia
next running: November 9, 2024
why run: Scenic course through Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park.
The Cleveland Christmas Run 5K & 10K in Cleveland, Ohio
last running: November 11, 2023 (as a virtual event)
why run: The course takes runners through historic sites in Cleveland, including W. 11th Street, which was featured in A Christmas Story. This race was formerly known as the Christmas Story Run, when it was last run in 2017. Since then, race organizers had trouble with licensing agreements. The race was to be back with a new name (and new courses, I think). Unfortunately the 2023 event was transitioned to virtual and the future of the race is apparently uncertain. If it comes back, look for lots of running pink nightmares & leg lamps and other fun holiday themed costumes on the course.
Cades Cove Loop Lope 10 Mile or 5K in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
next running: November 10, 2024
why run: This is the only race inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park and usually sells out (parking pass sells out on day one). Note: registration for 2024 opens 6/3/24.
DECEMBER
Walk-Off for Cancer 5K in Parkland, Florida
last running: December 3, 2023
why run: This race is put on by former Cub and current Yankee player Anthony Rizzo as part of his cancer charity.
Islamorada Half Marathon and 10K in Islamorada, Florida
next running: December 15, 2024 (Beer Mile and 5K on 12/14/24)
why run: This popular race features a scenic course in the Florida Keys.
Stars at Night Half Marathon in San Antonio, TX
next running: December 21, 2024
why run: This is a night race through holiday decor at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa. Looks like a fun and festive Christmas race!
Page last updated 7/15/24