Fitness challenges are a great way to motivate you to get moving while having fun, getting to know new people, raising awareness for a great cause, or simply trying something new! Obstacle and themed races are all the rage currently, so there is no shortage of fun. There are various distances, course types, activities, and obstacles all leading to one thing… a fabulous workout and a fabulous looking you! Check out our list of 11 fitness challenges to add to your bucket list.
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Marathon du Medoc:
Love running? Love wine? This race is for you! With a beautiful setting near Bordeaux, France, the Marathon du Medoc takes runners to 23 wine stations and various, delectable food stations. Crazy costumes are highly encouraged for this race, after all, drinking and distance running are so much more fun when you’re dressed up! Be sure to add some hill training to your race preparation, too. Cheers!
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GORUCK:
GORUCK events are not your typical fitness challenges. The events aren’t races; rather they teach you about the team work and toughness needed to complete Special Operations-type training. The challenges range from 7-10 miles and you and your team have plenty of heavyweight gear.
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Tough Mudder:
The Tough Mudder is probably the most hardcore adventure race around. The courses range from 10-12 miles and are packed with mud, 20 military-style obstacles, and more mud! These obstacles are no joke – they’re designed by British Special Forces! This race not only challenges your physical ability but also tests your mental toughness. Be sure to give yourself some time to build up your strength and cardio endurance before signing up for this fun, muddy challenge!
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Urban Dare:
Individuals, teams, and families can sign up to test their speed and knowledge to complete 12 challenges all around their city. This fitness challenge is slightly different in that public transportation may be used, and smarts can beat out speed. To make it even more exciting, part of the proceeds go to feed the homeless through local food banks.
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Warrior Dash:
The Warrior Dash is the perfect fitness challenge for thrill-seeking runners. This 5K is similar to the Tough Mudder with its 12 muddy, military-style, more than challenging obstacles. You’ll get muddy, climb ladders, jump over fire, grab a beer at the finish line, and have fun!
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Color Run:
Start this 5K race in all white attire, and end it covered head to toe in bright, neon color bursts! Speaking from personal experience, this race is a fun time! Every 1K you will get covered in a new color, making you a colorful mess at the end. Don’t worry, the color is washable, but the memories last forever!
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Neon Dash:
Walk, run, or dance your way through this nighttime 5K during which participants get covered in glow in the dark, neon paint! After crossing the finish line, make your way to the After Dash Bash to listen to live music, snack on free food, and laugh at your neon-covered self in the black light activities!
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Run for Your Lives:
If you’re a fan of zombies and The Walking Dead, this race is perfect for you! This 5K is covered in flesh-eating, virus-spreading zombies (fake, of course) and plenty of mud. Just like flag football, each runner is given a belt with three flags. Try to make it through the course without a zombie attack – or getting your flags taken – and you’re a survivor! If you cross the finish line without any flags left, you’ll still get a medal to commemorate your zombie transformation. Sounds like a great time to us!
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Krispy Kreme Challenge:
Here’s the statistics: 5 miles, 12 donuts, and 60 minutes. Now that’s a challenge! In the Krispy Kreme challenge, runners and pastry lovers alike are challenged to run 2.5 miles out, eat one dozen donuts, then 2.5 miles back, all in under one hour. You can indulge without guilt as all of the proceeds go to the North Carolina Children’s Hospital.
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Hot Chocolate 15/5K:
Chocoholic speaking here! This 5 or 15K race knows how to bribe it’s runners to cross the finish line as they serve hot cocoa, chocolate fondue, and various Ghirardelli chocolate treats. Yum! This family-friendly race donates to the Ronald McDonald House Charity – so you can get moving, indulge, and support a great cause!
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The Empire State Building Run Up:
This run will work your legs like never before! 1,576 stairs to climb to the top of the Empire State Building – wow! Participants can enter into a lottery to run in this annual, 88-floor race to the top, as there are only a few hundred spots. Strength training and endurance training are required to prepare for this race; your legs will thank you!
Manon McGovern, creator of The Traveling Trainer, is a fitness and weight management specialist who loves sharing her passion for a healthy lifestyle. She studied Exercise Science at The Ohio State University and started personal training and teaching group exercise classes to introduce herself into the fitness world. She enjoys personal training and teaching Yoga, Spinning, KickBoxing, and strength classes. Now working... Read More
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