USA TODAY 10Best
From donuts to costumes, these are the 10 best fun runs for 2024
Best Fun Run (2024)
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, selected by an expert panel and voted as the best by readers. Each one offers a unique aspect sure to leave you smiling as you cross the finish line.
- Surf-n-Santa 5 Miler - Virginia Beach, Virginia
- Mud Factor Fresno - Sanger, California
- Krispy Kreme Challenge - Raleigh, North Carolina
- Route 66 Fun Run and Walk - Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Hot Chocolate Run Atlanta - Atlanta, Georgia
- Night Nation Run Detroit - Detroit, Michigan
- Tallahassee Beer Mile - Tallahassee, Florida
- Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle - Chicago, Illinois
- Fast and Furriest at Harpoon Dogtoberfest - Boston, Massachusetts
- San Diego Santa Run - San Diego, California
Photo courtesy of lzf // Getty Images
No. 10:
The Surf-n-Santa 5 Miler racecourse takes runners through a holiday wonderland as they run along the Virginia Beach Boardwalk at twilight, admiring the holiday lights. The course is flat and easy to follow, and the atmosphere is festive. Enjoy a post-race party with food, drinks, and music.
Photo courtesy of FatCamera / E+ Getty Images
No. 9:
Mud Factor Fresno provides for some serious fun. Everyone gets covered in mud and has to climb, crawl, and manage their way through a 5K obstacle course featuring nets, walls, and even a waterslide. The event also has a shortened 3K race for families and children aged 4-13, making this a family-friendly fun-fest, and yes, there is a wash-off station at the end of it all, so you don't have to go home dirty or stain the car.
Photo courtesy of SDI Productions // Getty Images
No. 8:
"2,400 calories, 12 doughnuts, 5 miles, 1 hour" is the mantra of the Krispy Kreme Challenge. This race involves eating one dozen doughnuts while running 5 miles in under 1 hour, beginning and ending at the Memorial Belltower on the North Carolina State University campus. What began as a challenge among friends is now a nationally publicized charity race, as well as a tradition for students to complete before graduating.
Photo courtesy of amriphoto // Getty Images
No. 7:
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.
Photo courtesy of Hot Chocolate Run
No. 6:
Will you run for chocolate? The Hot Chocolate race series is a fast-growing event that features 5K, 10K, and 15K races in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as 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! The Hot Chocolate Run is hosted by USA TODAY NETWORK Ventures, part of Gannett's USA TODAY NETWORK alongside USA TODAY 10Best.
Photo courtesy of FOTOKITA / iStock / Getty Images Plus
No. 5:
Night Nation Run is the first event that combines a run with a music festival! You can run, walk, skip, dance, or even glow here, as your registration packet includes a glow necklace. The fun run course features bubble zones, neon lights, live DJs, and light shows, and needless to say, the post-run party at the main stage is truly epic. There are no medals or run times here; it is all about the entertainment and experience.
Photo courtesy of Windwood Communications
No. 4:
Face it, you aren't coming to this one for the run. The Tallahassee Beer Mile is part of northern Florida's largest beer festival, with over 100 breweries and home brewers serving up their latest fermentations. The Beer Mile features a quarter-mile loop that racers go around four times, enjoying a 12-ounce beer at the start of each loop. Needless to say, you'll need to be of drinking age to qualify for this one!
Photo courtesy of Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle
No. 3:
The Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle is a Chicago tradition celebrating St. Patrick's Day and kicking off the spring running season. The Shamrock Shuffle features an 8K run, 1-mile run, a 2-mile walk, and a great post-race party at Grant Park. Participants are encouraged to wear green or other St. Patrick's Day regalia, and with over 20,000 participants, it is one big green party and a Chicago staple.
Photo courtesy of Harpoon Brewery
No. 2:
This truly fun Boston event allows you to run with your dogs. Fast and Furriest kicks off with a 2.5-mile fun run/walk, followed by a "barking lot" party with food trucks and excellent beer from Harpoon Brewery, who even makes a nonalcoholic barley and peanut butter version for the pooches! There's also a Fest-minster dog show with costumes, and net event proceeds go to charities, so everyone's a winner.
No. 1:
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
Brittany Vermeer
Brittany (Bevis) Vermeer is a writer,... Read More
Brittany (Bevis) Vermeer is a writer, photographer, and media specialist with 15+ years of experience in the world of sports journalism. She and her husband are triathletes who live in Florida, and she chronicles their multisport adventures on her blog, Triple Threat Life.
Brittany Vermeer
Brittany (Bevis) Vermeer is a writer, photographer, and media specialist with 15+ years of experience in the world of sports journalism. She and her husband are triathletes who live in Florida, and she chronicles their multisport adventures on her blog, Triple Threat Life.
Dave Thompson
Dave is an international travel writer and founder... Read More
Dave is an international travel writer and founder of Dave’s Travel Corner, a premier travel resource since 1996. He is well-traveled (180 countries & territories); while on the road he enjoys the outdoors, backpacking, mountain climbing, meeting people, and experiencing other cultures. In 2006, he conceived the Napa Wine Project, a challenging endeavor to visit, taste with and extensively write about every winery in Napa Valley, California. He has now completed 1,100+ visits and written reviews of Napa wineries & producers.
Dave Thompson
Dave is an international travel writer and founder of Dave’s Travel Corner, a premier travel resource since 1996. He is well-traveled (180 countries & territories); while on the road he enjoys the outdoors, backpacking, mountain climbing, meeting people, and experiencing other cultures. In 2006, he conceived the Napa Wine Project, a challenging endeavor to visit, taste with and extensively write about every winery in Napa Valley, California. He has now completed 1,100+ visits and written reviews of Napa wineries & producers.
Hilary Topper
Hilary JM Topper, MPA, is a renowned author and... Read More
Hilary JM Topper, MPA, is a renowned author and entrepreneur. She has penned two successful books on social media marketing, “Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Social Media,” published in 2008, and "Branding in a Digital World,” first published in 2019 and updated in 2023. She also wrote a compelling memoir/self-help book, "From Couch Potato to Endurance Athlete," published by Meyer & Meyer Sports in 2022. In addition to her literary achievements, Hilary serves as the CEO of HJMT Public Relations Inc., and the president of HJMT Media Company LLC. Under her leadership, these companies produce two engaging blogs – NY Lifestyle Blog (HilaryTopper.com) and ATriathletesDiary.com. Beyond her blogging endeavors, Hilary hosts two podcasts, "Hilary Topper on Air" and "Hilary Topper on Air: The Endurance Sports Edition." Her expertise in digital communications extends to education, where she imparts her knowledge as an adjunct professor at Hofstra University. As an influencer on social media, Hilary works with brands to promote their products on platforms like Instagram. Currently, she is working on her fourth book.
Hilary Topper
Hilary JM Topper, MPA, is a renowned author and entrepreneur. She has penned two successful books on social media marketing, “Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Social Media,” published in 2008, and "Branding in a Digital World,” first published in 2019 and updated in 2023. She also wrote a compelling memoir/self-help book, "From Couch Potato to Endurance Athlete," published by Meyer & Meyer Sports in 2022. In addition to her literary achievements, Hilary serves as the CEO of HJMT Public Relations Inc., and the president of HJMT Media Company LLC. Under her leadership, these companies produce two engaging blogs – NY Lifestyle Blog (HilaryTopper.com) and ATriathletesDiary.com. Beyond her blogging endeavors, Hilary hosts two podcasts, "Hilary Topper on Air" and "Hilary Topper on Air: The Endurance Sports Edition." Her expertise in digital communications extends to education, where she imparts her knowledge as an adjunct professor at Hofstra University. As an influencer on social media, Hilary works with brands to promote their products on platforms like Instagram. Currently, she is working on her fourth book.
Kayla Jeter
Kayla Jeter is a Chicago-based athlete and... Read More
Kayla Jeter is a Chicago-based athlete and lululemon ambassador, community consultant, and wellness coach helping professional clients and community members design sustainable healthier lifestyles as a trained behavior change coach and certified functional strength coach. Her expertise has been featured on SHAPE, well + good, ESSENCE, and SELF. For almost a decade, Kayla has leveraged digital content as a coaching tool, community connector, and empowerment of shared human experiences on Instagram, TikTok (@fitandfullbykayla), and Pinterest reaching over 110,000 followers worldwide. Kayla is on a mission to disrupt + diversify homogenous spaces in sports and the wellness industry and in doing so, expand possibilities for BIPOC runners to see themselves not only surviving but thriving in these spaces. Through her annual virtual 100MilesofSummer challenge, she empowers over 260,000 humans of all ages and fitness levels around the world to commit to better health through movement by logging 100 miles walking, jogging, running or rolling starting May 1st to August 31st for the last six years. Kayla is a Cleveland, Ohio native who was exposed to different communities and cultures while playing volleyball at the University of Tennessee, professionally in Finland, and coaching at the University of Cincinnati. After the loss of her father to a sudden heart attack in 2016 and the slow decline of her mother to cancer in 2019, Kayla made it her mission to help others understand the necessity of everyday self-care and stress management. Kayla is a 3x World Marathon Major finisher (all in 2023) and will be running her first ultramarathon in March 2024 with lululemon; FURTHER. the lululemon FURTHER feat is a 6-day race focused on supporting + elevating women in ultramarathon running.
Kayla Jeter
Kayla Jeter is a Chicago-based athlete and lululemon ambassador, community consultant, and wellness coach helping professional clients and community members design sustainable healthier lifestyles as a trained behavior change coach and certified functional strength coach. Her expertise has been featured on SHAPE, well + good, ESSENCE, and SELF. For almost a decade, Kayla has leveraged digital content as a coaching tool, community connector, and empowerment of shared human experiences on Instagram, TikTok (@fitandfullbykayla), and Pinterest reaching over 110,000 followers worldwide. Kayla is on a mission to disrupt + diversify homogenous spaces in sports and the wellness industry and in doing so, expand possibilities for BIPOC runners to see themselves not only surviving but thriving in these spaces. Through her annual virtual 100MilesofSummer challenge, she empowers over 260,000 humans of all ages and fitness levels around the world to commit to better health through movement by logging 100 miles walking, jogging, running or rolling starting May 1st to August 31st for the last six years. Kayla is a Cleveland, Ohio native who was exposed to different communities and cultures while playing volleyball at the University of Tennessee, professionally in Finland, and coaching at the University of Cincinnati. After the loss of her father to a sudden heart attack in 2016 and the slow decline of her mother to cancer in 2019, Kayla made it her mission to help others understand the necessity of everyday self-care and stress management. Kayla is a 3x World Marathon Major finisher (all in 2023) and will be running her first ultramarathon in March 2024 with lululemon; FURTHER. the lululemon FURTHER feat is a 6-day race focused on supporting + elevating women in ultramarathon running.
Marnie Kunz
Marnie Kunz is a Brooklyn-based fitness trainer,... Read More
Marnie Kunz is a Brooklyn-based fitness trainer, running coach, and blogger and the founder of Runstreet.com. She loves to participate in fun and unique running events around NYC. You can follow her running adventures on the Runstreet blog and @Runstreet on Instagram.
Marnie Kunz
Marnie Kunz is a Brooklyn-based fitness trainer, running coach, and blogger and the founder of Runstreet.com. She loves to participate in fun and unique running events around NYC. You can follow her running adventures on the Runstreet blog and @Runstreet on Instagram.
Teresa Bergen
Teresa Bergen is a Portland, Oregon-based travel... Read More
Teresa Bergen is a Portland, Oregon-based travel writer. She writes about running and other outdoor activities for USA Today Outdoors Wire. She also publishes articles at MSN, the South China Morning Post, AAA, Northwest Travel & Life and The Sober Curator.. She’s the author of Easy Portland Outdoors and Sober Travel Handbook, and co-author of Historic Cemeteries of Portland, Oregon.
Teresa Bergen
Teresa Bergen is a Portland, Oregon-based travel writer. She writes about running and other outdoor activities for USA Today Outdoors Wire. She also publishes articles at MSN, the South China Morning Post, AAA, Northwest Travel & Life and The Sober Curator.. She’s the author of Easy Portland Outdoors and Sober Travel Handbook, and co-author of Historic Cemeteries of Portland, Oregon.
