Shoebacca Blog Go Big or Go Home: July

The Spartan Race"Spartan Race was created with a simple, yet important, mission in mind. That mission is to get people back to their primal roots. To do what they were designed to do: run, jump, climb and sweat." Taken straight from the Spartan Race website. The race itself was founded in 2010 and is now present in over 10 countries. Most Spartans are available in 3 different segments: the Sprint (3+mi, 15+ obstacles), the Super (8+mi, 20+ obstacles), and the Beast (12+mi, 25+ obstacles). There are even races available for children! It all depends on the location.PENNSYLVANIA SUPER • July 11 • Palmerton, PAPENNSYLVANIA SPRINT • July 12 • Palmerton, PAPENNSYLVANIA SPRINT #2 • July 18 • Palmerton, PAAT&T PARK SPRINT - SAN FRAN (STADIUM) • July 18 • San Fransisco, CAThe Biggest Loser RunWalk"The Biggest Loser RunWalk is a non-intimidating race series designed to challenge America to get fit." Much like the Spartan, the Biggest Loser RunWalk is compromised of 3 different series: the Six Flags series, the Premier Destination series, and the Off-road Challenges. The Premier Destination series is their featured half marathon & 5k races. The Six Flags series is.. well, basically their Premier Destination series hosted at Six Flags amsusement parks. And the Off-Road Challenges are just set on trail runs with obstacle courses (and hosted at Spartan Race locations!).Premier Destination • July 26 • Killington, VTThe WipeOut RunInspired by the hit TV Show, the WipeOut Run was design to be a fun yet engaging (NOT BRUTAL) 5k experience, encouraging people to enjoy the challenge of physical activity. Run the 3.1 mile course yourself, taking on the 12 obstacles alone, or race your team mates to the finish line for an added layer of challenge.July 11 • Portland, ORJuly 18 • Seattle, WAJuly 25 • Chicago, ILThe DirtyGirl 5k MudRunThe DirtyGirl 5k MudRun was created to encourage women to embrace athleticism and the outdoors. As such, it was the first of now only a handful of national races exclusively for women. While obesity is just as likely to occur in men as it is in women (36% of adults are considered obese), women are twice as likely as men to be considered extremely obese.July 11 • Killington, VTThe Warrior DashWarrior Dash is one of the largest international races at only 6 years young, located on 4 continents across the world. The able few who are can conquer this grueling course are rewarded with Tshirt, Warrior Helmet & Medal, and revelries to celebrate their accomplishment!July 11 • Hastings, MNJuly 18 • Bonney Lake, WAJuly 18 • Barrie, ON, CanadaJuly 25 • Windham, NYThe Color RunThe Color Run is a newly-created 5k event, forming only in 2012! It was founded to encourage novices to join the running community, and serves as a fun introductory event! The shower of color was inspired by Holi, an ancient Hindu Festival of love.July 11 • Cincinnati, OHJuly 11 • Des Moines, IAJuly 11 • Lansing, MIJuly 11 • Milwaukee, WIJuly 12 • Twin Cities, MNJuly 18 • Omaha, NEJuly 18 • Columbus, OHJuly 25 • Asheville, NCThe Color FunFestThe Color FunFest is more or less the Color Run but run by a different company, although the Color FunFest puts more emphasis on the availability of evening running. Like with any great idea, multiples will popup! Choices are great, though, as that makes variety and availability much more widespread. While the Color Run may not be present in a certain city, The Color FunFest (or any other comparable color 5k) will most certainly be there!July 11 • Allentown, PAJuly 18 • Washington, DCJuly 25 • Richmond, VADIVAS Half Marathon & 5K SeriesAnother Girls' Club 5k run! This time without the mud. The DIVAS Half Marathon & 5k series offers something for newbies and veterans alike - all from the comfort of a nicely paved race course.None In JulyTough MudderThe Tough Mudder is by no means a novice event - though that doesn't mean you cannot try! It is roughly 3 times the length of a 5k, coming it at about 18-20km (10-12mi), and it doesn't stop there. The whole course is littered with obstacles specifically designed to play into basic human fears (fire, deep water, electricity, and heights.) Not for the faint of heart, or the financially challenged! Tickets start around the $100 mark.Jult 18 & 19 • Hudson, WI