Spring brings the feeling of regrowth, as morning runs morph from frosty fingertips and toes to shedding layers and smelling the flowers. As you begin this emergence from winter hibernation, you might want to start thinking about your next race. Registering for the following races could add fresh motivation to get in some long outdoor runs.
To move you in that direction, here are a five spring races to consider, based on your personality:
SOLUTION: CRESCENT CITY CLASSIC 10K
New Orleans, Louisiana | March 31
The Crescent City Classic 10K begins in downtown New Orleans, heads through the French Quarter and ends near the New Orleans Museum of Art, allowing runners to take in the sights of the Big Easy on one of the most scenic courses in the country.
But the day does not end at the finish line. Runners can join the post-race “RaceFest” for free. The celebratory event offers complimentary refreshments and live music.
SOLUTION: THE HAPALUA – HAWAII’S HALF-MARATHON
Honolulu, Hawaii | April 8
The largest half-marathon in the state, the Hapalua – Hawaii’s Half-Marathon (hapalua means half) takes place on the second Sunday of April each year — and for extra enticement, runners have no time limit. You can use this race as a simple training run or to shake out post-winter out-of-shape legs. Runners start in legendary Waikiki and then head up and around Diamond Head. At the finish line, you’ll receive freshly made malasadas and shave ice.
SOLUTION: GARDEN SPOT VILLAGE MARATHON AND HALF-MARATHON
New Holland, Pennsylvania | April 14
Eschew the pandemonium of city life and spend the weekend running through Amish country. The Garden Spot Village Marathon and Half-Marathon offers a Boston Marathon qualifier course that comes complete with traditional horse and buggies right alongside you as you race. You can also expect to see farmers tilling their fields with old-fashioned horse-drawn plows. Even better, runners have access to a hot tub after the race to continue their relaxing weekend.
SOLUTION: THE FLYING PIRATE HALF-MARATHON AND 5K
Kitty Hawk, North Carolina | April 14–15
Runners enjoy a Jolly Roger Pirate Expo before they head to the start line of the Flying Pirate Half-Marathon — a race that promotes wearing creative pirate gear. Winning the costume contest gets you a free entry to the 2019 race. On top of the themed festivities, the course traverses through the Outer Banks of North Carolina for Instagram-worthy racing shots.
READ MORE > 2018’S TOUGHEST RUNNING RACES, PLUS SANE ALTERNATIVES
SOLUTION: AVENUE OF THE GIANTS MARATHON, HALF-MARATHON AND 10K
Weott, California | May 6
Run on roads lined with 300-foot Redwood trees at the Avenue of the Giants Marathon, Half-Marathon and 10K. The trees provide much-appreciated shade and cool temperatures, although they might block your GPS system — so look at this as a reprieve from staring down at your watch, and an opportunity to soak in the majestic surroundings. After the race, drive through an actual tree on the Redwood Coast.
