Most-Loved Valentine’s Day Races

When most people think of Valentine’s Day, they think of roses and chocolate, teddy bears and fine dining. But if your true love is running, Valentine’s Day is just another reason to race! That’s why we’ve compiled this list of races that are sure to get your heart pounding whether you have a life partner, a running partner, or just prefer to jog solo.

Be My Valentine Cupcake 5K/Walk

Feb. 11, 2017 | Indianapolis, IN

The beginner-friendly Be My Valentine 5K in Indianapolis offers one of the sweetest ways to finish a race: with cupcakes and hot chocolate! The downtown race is just a quick walk from Mass Avenue, where you can squeeze in a post-race Valentine’s Day date browsing the eclectic shops or dining at one of the many restaurants. Or, you can skip the sightseeing and head home with your finisher’s medal and fleece blanket to cuddle up with your beloved… and maybe one more cupcake.

Helen Woodward Animal Center’s Puppy Love 5K

Photo from The San Diego Union-Tribune

March 19, 2017 | Lake Poway, CA

Okay, so this isn’t exactly a Valentine’s Day race. But if you’re someone who loves dogs more than people, save your Valentine’s Day date for the Puppy Love 5K! The flat course accomodates runners of all breeds and offers scenic San Diego Bay views for both you and your pup. Once you cross the finish, head over to the BARKetplace for treats, giveaways, and – our favorite – costume contests for both people and pooches! To top it off, all proceeds from the Puppy Love 5K support the Helen Woodward Animal Center and their community programs.

A Fine Valentine Relay 

Feb. 12, 2017 | Tucson, AZ

The Fine Valentine Relay has something for everyone with  three different races and a post-race brunch for all! Team up with your SO, BFF, or family member for the 4-mile relay and compete for the most creative public display of affection at the PDA Exchange Zone. Or race the full course or the 2-mile walk/jog on your own, straight to the scrumptious post-race party! There, you’ll enjoy mimosa and bloody mary specials and a free hot breakfast while you wait to see who wins the couples’ costume contest.

Cupid’s Undie Run

Photo by Kevin Carroll

Feb. 11, 2017 | Washington, DC

Think Valentine’s Day is a little too cliché? Not with Cupid’s Undie Run! This “brief” run has participants don undergarments and creative costumes for a quick mile run before returning to the local bar for post-race festivities. Don’t worry if you’re not comfortable stripping down to your skivvies; all abilities, body types and outfits are welcome! After all, the goal of Cupid’s Undie Run isn’t just to give singles and sweethearts a good time – it’s to raise money for The Children’s Tumor Foundation.

Bradford Valentine Road Race

Feb. 11, 2017 | Bradford, MA

The Bradford Valentine Road Race offers a unique way to compete in their 5-mile and 6K courses. You can run either one individually or sign up as a couple including father/daughter duos, mother/son teams, and a catch-all male/female category. One of you will run the 5-mile race and the other the 6K, but your times are added together. The lowest total wins the category! But even if you don’t win, all participants still receive a Valentine’s Day flower for showing up and a box of chocolates for crossing the finish line.

Red Flannel Run

Feb. 11, 2017 | Des Moines, IA

Red is the color of love and flannel is a must for February. This 5K takes their plaid seriously with six different costume awards: the Penguin Award for the best dressed participant in red flannel, the Igloo Award for the largest family racing in red flannel, the Frosty Cubicle Award for flanneled coworkers, the Iditarod Award for the furthest distance traveled to compete in flannel, and the Icy Cupid Award for the best dressed couple in – you guessed it – red flannel. There’s even a Sled Dog Award for flannel-wearing Fido!  So if you’ve been wanting to break out your red flannel, you know exactly where to go.

Love on the Run 5K Run/Walk

Feb. 11, 2017 | Jarvisburg, NC

If you and your darling want to race without missing out on romance, then Love on the Run is the perfect pick. The 5K course winds through the scenic Sanctuary Vineyards, located in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. After running under the trees and by the sound, you’ll return to the winery for a post-race wine, cheese and chocolate tasting party! Make the race into a weekend couples’ getaway or girls’ trip for the ultimate Valentine’s Day experience.

My Muddy Valentine

Photo from terrapinevents.com

Feb. 11, 2017 | Portland, OR

For a different kind of Valentine’s Day, head to Portland for the My Muddy Valentine 5K Mud Run! The 20+ obstacles are a great way to spice up a relationship, meet your adventurous match, or just have fun! After the race, mix and mingle amongst the bonfires with your free cider or beer. Then, wash up with a hot shower and change into your commemorative t-shirt before heading out to the rest of your V-Day plans!

Le Cours de l’Amour 5K/10K

Feb. 11, 2017 | Denver, CO

Parlez-vous français? If not, the name of the event means “The Course of Love” and it certainly lives up to its name. Every participant receives a rose and is showered with petals at the start and finish of the course, which wraps around two lakes in Denver’s City Park. Everyone – couples, singles, families, teams, strollers and dogs – are invited to come together and celebrate love at Le Cours de l’Amour. The race even takes sharing the love one step further with proceeds benefiting the Heart & Hand Center, a Denver nonprofit that provides after-school programming for at-risk youth.

Which races had you feeling the love? Join Athlinks to find “the one” and connect with like-minded lovers of endurance racing!

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