Spring Training: 5 Races Happening Across Michigan That Will Get You Moving
| 3 min read
Spring fever is officially in full effect! The temperatures will be warming up soon and the sun is out well into the evening–meaning now is the perfect time to take your workouts outdoors. If you need a little motivation to get moving, sign up for a fun spring run. Knowing race day is coming will help you stick to a training schedule and meet your fitness goals.
Check out the list below to find a race that you and your family can participate in:
- Spartan 5K Color Dash in East Lasing on April 1
Looking for a fun event for the entire family? Health Without Borders is hosting the first official Spartan 5K Color Dash. Run the route while getting covered in brightly colored powder along the way. Another reason to smile: All proceeds will go towards helping provide water filters for residents in India.
- Kids’ Martian Marathon in Dearborn on April 22
Join the more than 2,800 children who will be lining up at the Kids’ Martian Marathon starting line. Don’t worry, they don’t need to run 26.2 miles all at once. Each kid is challenged to chalk up 25 miles of running before the race and then finish the last 1.2 miles on race day. While the race is just for kids, you’ll make the perfect running partner during the first 25 miles. Want to do your own event? There are also adult races that day, including a 5K, 10K, half-marathon and full marathon.
- Cancer Support Community’s Amazing Race in Ann Arbor on April 22
This is more of a scavenger hunt than a race. See a new side of Ann Arbor as you solve clues and hunt for landmarks, relying on smarts and a little luck to finish your route. Waiting for you at the finish line is a post-race party, including prizes, music, refreshments and a raffle—all benefitting the Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor.
- Fifth Third Bank River Bank Run in Grand Rapids on May 13
The Fifth Third River Bank Run celebrates 40 years of road running this year. More than 18,000 people are expected to compete in the event, which is the largest 25K road race in the country. You can also choose to complete the 25K Relay, 10K Run, 5K Run and 5K Community Walk. Following the event will be a post-race celebration, featuring drinks from Perrin Brewing Company, a local craft beer company.
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Riverfront Run/Walk in Detroit on June 10
This popular 5K and 10K run/walk winds along the Detroit RiverWalk and Milliken State Park. And you get a prize at the end: Participants will receive a one-day admission pass to the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy’s upcoming Detroit River Days festival.
If you’re new to running, don’t forget to spend some time getting ready for the big day. Start each training run with a five-minute walk to warm your body up. If you’ve never run an entire race before, start by alternating 30 seconds to one minute of running with one to three minutes of walking. As you get closer to race day, make the running sections longer and longer.
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