USA TODAY 10Best
From color to costumes, these are the 10 best fun runs for 2023
Best Fun Run (2023)
Competition is great and all, but plenty of runners of all skill levels appreciate the opportunity to just hit the road and have a good time. And "fun" is definitely the watchword in the 10 events highlighted here – voted as the best by readers – each with a unique aspect sure to leave you smiling as you cross the finish line.
Photo courtesy of skynesher // Getty Images
No. 10: Hot Chocolate Run - Multiple locations
Will you run for chocolate? The Hot Chocolate race series is a fast-growing event that features 5k, 10K and 15k races in various cities across the United States. Participants receive an award-winning swag bag, as well as delicious goodies. At the finish line, runners are presented with chocolate fondue, dippables and, of course, hot chocolate!
Photo courtesy of Bill Chizek // Getty Images
No. 9: The Color Run - Multiple locations
The Color Run, the world's largest running series, is an event that celebrates healthiness, happiness and individuality. With over 8 million runners in 50+ countries, this unique race is known as "the happiest 5K on the planet." The race involves participants being covered in different colors at each kilometer and is more about having fun than running fast.
Photo courtesy of amriphoto // Getty Images
No. 8: Route 66 Fun Run and Walk - Tulsa, Oklahoma
The Route 66 Fun Run and Walk is part of the Williams Route 66 Marathon, an untimed event that allows runners to experience the beauty and diversity of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Taking participants on a 1-mile tour of Tulsa's downtown and trendy Arts District, the Fun Run is stroller-friendly and suitable for the whole family.
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Photo courtesy of Courtney Hale // Getty Images
No. 7: Munchkin Marathon - Olathe, Kansas
Part of the Garmin Olathe Marathon in the Land of Oz (Kansas) is the Munchkin Marathon. This event allows families to train together, with students from kindergarten to 8th grade tracking their progress on their Munchkin Marathon Tracking Sheet to cover 25 miles. On the day of the race, families complete the final 1.2-mile course to finish their marathon.
Photo courtesy of Dwayne DeBardelaben
No. 6: Rocket City Mural Run 5K - Huntsville, Alabama
Part of the Rocket City Race Weekend, the course of the Rocket City Mural Run 5k passes by many of the beautiful murals in downtown Huntsville. This relaxed event encourages walkers and strollers to participate, and registered participants receive a unique shirt and cool finishing gifts.
Photo courtesy of Lester Tsai Photography
No. 5: Bend Beer Chase - Bend, Oregon
The Bend Beer Chase is a team relay race where six runners cover around 55 miles over 12 legs of varying distances, and each runner runs two legs. Commencing at 10 Barrel Brewing, the relay goes to Redmond and back, and stops at local breweries where participants can sample the craft brews. Teams also participate in the Keg Leg, a 3-mile route through downtown Bend, which passes eight local craft breweries and provides an opportunity to enjoy outdoor views, exercise and tasty craft brews with friends.
Photo courtesy of FatCamera // Getty Images
No. 4: Hippie Dash - Charleston, South Carolina
The Hippie Dash is a 5K fun run/walk in Charleston, South Carolina that aims to raise awareness and funding for individuals with disabilities. Participants are encouraged to dress up in their best '70s attire and enjoy the psychedelic 5K course around James Island County Park, with runners, walkers, children and dogs of all ages invited to join in on the fun.
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Photo courtesy of Color Vibe
No. 3: Color Vibe 5K - Multiple locations
The Color Vibe 5K race is a fun and colorful event that lets participants embrace their wild side while getting doused in safe, biodegradable and beautiful colors. The event, which has grown to cover the entire nation, provides runners with a memorable experience and encourages an active and healthy lifestyle. Runners pass through four color stations along the 5K course, finishing at an epic Color Vibe party with music, color throws and tons of fun.
Photo courtesy of Girls on the Run International
No. 2: Girls on the Run 5K - Multiple locations
Girls on the Run 5K events are held in cities across the U.S. and are designed for girls in grades 3-8. These multifaceted events allow each participant to take away something unique from the experience. The event includes personalized signs, a happy hair station and a team connection session to help boost the girls' confidence and make the day memorable. Participants celebrate with family, dress up in colorful and unique attire and achieve their goal of crossing the finish line.
Photo courtesy of 3PIXstudios
No. 1: San Diego Santa Run - San Diego, California
The San Diego Santa Run is a unique holiday celebration featuring a range of runs for all levels of participants. Dress up in your best – or worst – Christmas outfit to be a part of this unforgettable event. No Santa suit? No problem! All 5K runners receive a Sunny Santa Suit and Santa Run Sunglasses. Afterwards, catch the Pacific Beach Holiday Parade.
About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best.
The Experts
Ava Roxanne Stritt
Ava Roxanne Stritt has been called the most... Read More
Ava Roxanne Stritt has been called the most influential person in the world for spa travel and also a top authority on luxury and wellness travel. Her fans say she is responsible for turning the spa day into a wellness adventure! You can find her always searching for unique experiences. Ava writes for multiple print and online publications such as Spa Travel Gal and many more. You can also find her here @SpaTravelGal
Ava Roxanne Stritt
Ava Roxanne Stritt has been called the most influential person in the world for spa travel and also a top authority on luxury and wellness travel. Her fans say she is responsible for turning the spa day into a wellness adventure! You can find her always searching for unique experiences. Ava writes for multiple print and online publications such as Spa Travel Gal and many more. You can also find her here @SpaTravelGal
Katie McElveen
Travel and lifestyle writer Katie McElveen... Read More
Travel and lifestyle writer Katie McElveen discovered the joy of wandering when, as a teenager, she made a wrong turn in rural South Carolina on the way to a family vacation and ended up taking back roads all the way to the beach. Since then, she hasn’t stopped exploring, although now she always travels with a map and more than $3.00 in cash. In addition to Columbia Living, Katie has shared her discoveries in magazines such as Real Simple, USA TODAY, Destination Weddings & Honeymoons, Islands, Global Traveler, Charleston Living, Wilmington Magazine and AAA Go.
Katie McElveen
Travel and lifestyle writer Katie McElveen discovered the joy of wandering when, as a teenager, she made a wrong turn in rural South Carolina on the way to a family vacation and ended up taking back roads all the way to the beach. Since then, she hasn’t stopped exploring, although now she always travels with a map and more than $3.00 in cash. In addition to Columbia Living, Katie has shared her discoveries in magazines such as Real Simple, USA TODAY, Destination Weddings & Honeymoons, Islands, Global Traveler, Charleston Living, Wilmington Magazine and AAA Go.
Scott Hoffman
Scott Hoffman likes to run, ski, cycle, and do... Read More
Scott Hoffman likes to run, ski, cycle, and do anything outdoors in his hometown of Denver, Colorado – no matter the season. When indoors, he produces the weekly podcast "The Bro Pod with Scott and Todd." Scott used to be a crusher in the local 5K road race scene, but he's slowed with age and now just runs to stay fit. Don't challenge him to a drum-off, though; he will win.
Scott Hoffman
Scott Hoffman likes to run, ski, cycle, and do anything outdoors in his hometown of Denver, Colorado – no matter the season. When indoors, he produces the weekly podcast "The Bro Pod with Scott and Todd." Scott used to be a crusher in the local 5K road race scene, but he's slowed with age and now just runs to stay fit. Don't challenge him to a drum-off, though; he will win.
Catherine Smith
Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production... Read More
Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production Manager and Social Media Director for USA TODAY 10Best, has a special interest in unique culinary experiences and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Catherine is the founder of Her Bags Were Packed where she focuses on helping women release emotional baggage through solo travel and self-discovery.
Catherine Smith
Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production Manager and Social Media Director for USA TODAY 10Best, has a special interest in unique culinary experiences and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Catherine is the founder of Her Bags Were Packed where she focuses on helping women release emotional baggage through solo travel and self-discovery.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,... Read More
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.