Runners with families are all too familiar with the waiting game involved with kids being the right age to run longer-distance races. Many standard 5Ks offer a shorter-distance option for kids, but the following are some that offer certain themes or unique spins to get kids excited to hit the pavement.
CASA Superhero 5K and 1K Run
In Austin, Texas
This run benefits Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), which serves children who have been abused or neglected. The kids 1K includes villains for participants to chase and also features a costume contests for adults, kids and even dogs, as well as a superhero dance party.
Kids' Obstacle Challenge
Various dates and locations
This adventure-filled obstacle and mud course offers something for all kids ages five to 16 and also allows parents to participate with their kids for free. Courses usually range from one-and-a-half to two miles in distance, and the race is held in cities across the U.S. from April through August.
Spartan Kids Races
Various dates and locations
Spartan's kids obstacle course races are open to kids ages 4 to 13 who are up to "run, climb, jump and get muddy." Participants can choose races distances of half-mile, one mile and two miles, plus all receive a medal upon finishing.
Bubble Run 5K
Various dates and locations
For kids and families looking for more of a "fun run" than a race, the Bubble Run is just the ticket. This race course is filled with colorful, sudsy foam and bubbles for participants to jump through, essentially giving the event a bit of a waterpark feel.
RunDisney Kids Races
In Orlando, Florida
Walt Disney World's Marathon weekend is one that tends to draw crowds of Disney-obsessed adults due to the longer distances covered in the event's challenges. But it only makes sense that the weekend would also include something for the kids. Events include a "Diaper Dash" for those still crawling, a 100-meter dash for kids ages 1 to 4, a 200-meter dash for kids ages 5 to 8, and a one-mile run on the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex track for kids ages 4 to 13.
NYC Half Times Square Run
In New York City
The New York City Half Marathon is a highly coveted race for adults across the U.S., and it recently added a kids' component, which takes participants on a 1,500-meter stretch around Times Square.
Hershey Half Marathon Kids' Fun Run
Hershey, Pennsylvania
Who wouldn't be motivated to run for chocolate? This kids fun run takes place the day before the Hershey Half Marathon on the track at Hersheypark Stadium. Race distances children can participate in depend on their age, though distances range from 30 yards to 340 yards for children ages 2 to 13.
IRONKIDS
Various dates and locations
IRONMAN has once again created a life changing experience for even the youngest of athletes. All new to the North American IRONKIDS program in 2019 are the Diaper Dot Dash and Toddler Dot Trot events. Children as young as six months old and that are crawling independently can participate in the 15 foot crawl to the finish line. The Toddler Dot Trot encourages children one year of age and older to independently trot thirty feet to the finish line. Parents are encouraged to trot along with their toddlers.
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