Starting line

Come one, come all to a mud/obstacle race that’s fun for everyone on Saturday, July 14, 2012 at Throttle 215 MX Park (2800 N. Rose Park Lane, Salt Lake City). You’ll slide, crawl, swing, run, and jump your way through challenging obstacles, and get really dirty in the process, on this multi-loop course. Run three laps to complete this 5K on your own, or enlist two friends to create a relay team where each of you completes one lap. The course design allows spectators to watch every minute of the action while cheering on their loved ones. Whether you’re a spectator or racer, stay after for Runner Carnival. You’ll see pro motocrossers hit jumps as you play on the slip-n-slide, run in a hamster wheel, get swag, and enjoy live music. runnercross.com

Ok, this race isn’t lighthearted. It’s an intense competition, but it certainly is unique! Start conditioning your heart now and get ready to challenge yourself by running as fast as you can up and down the stairs in Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake on August 4, 2012. One lap is is 3,500 stairs, twice is 7,000, and three times is an insane 10,500 stairs! How far can you go? You won’t know until you try. Waves start at 7:00 a.m. Register together if you want to run at the same time. All participants get a tech tee. vigorutah.com

Embark on a devilish adventure at this 5K in Ogden on Saturday, August 4, 2012. Racers ascend the Purgatory course and conquer the 7 Deadly Sins-themed obstacles before entering the pearly gates and the Beer Garden of Eden where live music, food and drinks await. Obstacles include: cargo net climbing, running through the river, mud pit crawling, darting through fire, and more. Costumes encouraged! Call 970-812-3274 for more info. devildash.com

Calling all ladies! Grab your bestie and head to Moab for a new women’s half marathon on Saturday, May 12, 2012. The race was conceived in the spirit of Thelma & Louise, the 1991 film about two friends who find themselves on the run and end up in the desert. The downhill course descends from Canyonlands National Park (near where the movie’s final scenes were shot) on a scenic highway with stunning views of canyons, rock formations, mountains, and Arches National Park. Runners will be supporting two great organizations by participating in this race: Girls On The Run and Seekhaven Family Crisis Center in Moab. moabhalfmarathon.org