Unique Medals for Local Runs and Relays By Jenny Willden As a kid my athletic abilities were lacking, and the coolest award I got to hang up was a science fair ribbon…for participation. No, I wasn’t a childhood soccer star and I’m not Michael Phelps, so earning a medal at my first half marathon was a new experience. It was my first time racing more than 10K and I was exhausted after nearly 13 miles of running, but I sprinted the final quarter mile, threw my hands up dorkily, and cheered as I crossed the finish line.
Author: Jenny Willden
Jenny Willden
Jenny Willden is the Managing Editor of Outdoor Sports Guide and a self-proclaimed gear and grammar nut. She's a member of the North American Travel Journalists Association and the Adventure Travel Trade Association. A lover of adventure and travel, she's happiest when riding horses or snowboarding in Utah’s mountains. Follow Jenny’s exploits on Twitter @jennywillden or Instagram @jlwillden.
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Billed as the world’s only steeplechase for people, this race is bound to get crazy. If you haven’t heard of steeplechase before, it’s an equestrian event where horse jump over beautiful obstacles. The people who created this race series thought, “Why let horses have all the fun?” So they hired masters in equestrian-obstacle building to craft human steeplechase obstacles for this nationwide series. The entire races takes place on grass and is run in separate heats with about 25 runners at a time. Salt Lake’s Peeplechase is September 28 and 29, 2013 at a to-be-announced location. Followed by an afterparty…
You’ll be temporarily blinded, and totally blown away, at this new nighttime 5K that’s as much a race as a light show. The untimed run or walk features 5–10 artistic lighting experiences designed by Dreamworks and Coachella animators with dark sections separating each dazzling world. The event is September 14, 2013 at Utah’s Thanksgiving Point in Lehi. All participants receive a gender-specific shirt, LED bracelet, glow necklace, and glow sunglasses that you can sport during the run. Bring your own glowing accoutrements to bedazzle your getup. Event followed by a finish line celebration with a DJ, neon everything, dancing, and…
If you prefer kicking up dust to pedaling on pavement, this new race challenge is for you. Wildflower Trailfest is Utah’s first and only mountain bike challenge for women. Held Saturday, September 14, 2013 at Snowbasin Resort near Ogden, the event features beginner, sport, and expert divisions. The day begins with a pre-race breakfast, followed by staggered race division starts, and is followed by a post-race barbecue. Registration just $55. wildfloweroutdoor.com
Run this 5K as an individual or Caterpillar team (5 runners attached) on Labor Day (September 2) in Park City to support Arts Kids. After the race, attend the Miners Day Celebration for a pancake breakfast, parade, barbecue, live music, and kids’ games. Race starts at City Park. Funky Costumes welcome! Email runskiride@gmail.com for info. arts-kids.org
Love a challenge? The Ultimate Challenge, Presented by the Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah, is one of the most difficult and respected non-competitive amateur cycling events in North America. This year you can ride the new course that begins at Snowbasin Ski Resort and ends at Snowbird Ski Resort. It’s 112 tough miles with 12,000 feet of climbing, or you can choose from the shorter 52- and 82-mile courses. The new women’s division offers 30- and 60-mile distances. All races on Saturday, August 10, 2013. tourofutah.com
You said you’d never wear it again, but this event invites you to pull your tackiest dress or suit out of storage for a 5K obstacle course race through the mud. Don’t have anything terrible enough to wear? Pick one up on the cheap at DI or Goodwill. A portion of proceeds goes to Children’s HopeChest, a nonprofit dedicated to helping orpans worldwide. Wear running shoes, but skip fancy jewelry so you don’t lose it. Race is Saturday, August 3, 2013 in Salt Lake City at an undisclosed location. Visit the website for updates and to register. distressthedress.com
Mud run meets boot camp at this fun 5K where sliding, mud slinging, and mayhem are encouraged. Don’t keep all the muddy fun for yourself. Be the coolest parent ever and sign up your kids ages 12 and under for their own Piglet Plunge! They’ll slip ‘n slide, play in the mud, run, and get a sweet t-shirt for just $20. All races on Saturday, June 8, 2013 at Soldier Hollow in Midway. thedirtydash.com
Will you run for Samoas or Thin Mints? Beat the giant running Girl Scout cookies to keep your pride, and you’ll win a Cookie Crumbler racing cap! Challenge yourself with two races in one day; run the 2K to warm up then add on the 5K or 10K. Race is Saturday, April 27, 2013 at the Riverton City Park on 12765 S. 1400 West, and it raises funds for The Girl Scout Oquirrh Service Unit. Tons of Girl Scout cookies will be given away, and you’ll get to munch on your favorites after the race. Bonus: Girl Scouts can earn…