The growing trend of run-and-brunch events is one we can all get behind. After all, it makes sense: you need to refuel post-race, and why settle for a dry bagel or banana? From bacon to Bloody Marys, post-race parties have upped their game in the past few years and we are all for it.
Let’s cheers to the endurance community’s budding brunch obsession with a few runs that have feasts fit for a 5K!
The Great Race of Agoura Hills
April 1, 2017 | Agoura Hills, CA
The Great Race is known for its great views and post-race party featuring “The Great Brunch”. After running the half marathon, 10K, 5K or 1-mile course by the Santa Monica Mountains, you can treat yourself to over 50 booths with a variety of post-race fare including the usual suspects like granola bars, and rotating guest stars such as pancakes and pizza. You’ll want to keep fueling up for the obstacle course, rock climbing wall, and lively entertainment at the finish.
Dunkin Donuts Munchkin Run
Nov. 18, 2017 | Richmond, VA
For a family-friendly brunch run with a doughnut focus, head to the Dunkin’ Donuts Munchkin Run in Virginia. This all-ages 5K course is dotted with Munchkin stations for extra encouragement and ends with a full doughnut breakfast from Dunkin’ Donuts… plus some traditional bananas and granola bars, if that suits your fancy. In addition, the race supports the ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation, so don’t feel guilty reaching for that third (or fourth or fifth) doughnut! America runs on Dunkin’ is right.
Krispy Kreme Challenge
Feb. 4, 2017 | Raleigh, NC
If you enjoy running, scarfing down doughnuts and giving to charity – all at the same time – then the Krispy Kreme Challenge is for you! A more extreme brunch run, the Krispy Kreme Challenge takes you 2.5 miles through historic downtown Raleigh to Krispy Kreme. There, the real challenge begins as you consume a dozen doughnuts and turn back for the remaining 2.5 miles. If you can complete it in an hour, you’ll be up for awards and serious (if somewhat sickening) bragging rights. If you prefer to take your time with your doughnuts, sign up as a Casual competitor and eat as many or as few as you’d like. You can also register as a No Doughnut runner, but where’s the fun in that?!
Chicago Spring Half Marathon & 10K
May 21, 2017 | Chicago, IL
The Chicago Spring Half Marathon & 10K is the unofficial start of the racing season in Chicago and they sure know how to celebrate! To kick off the city’s emergence from winter hibernation, you’ll race along the lakefront half marathon or 10K course and be greeted at the finish with a gourmet hot breakfast buffet! It’s a true full meal deal with complimentary Lagunitas beer, live music, and a build-your-own flower station.
Atlanta Dogwood Festival Mimosa 5K
April 8, 2017 | Atlanta, GA
As you might’ve guessed, there will be mimosas at the Dogwood Festival Mimosa 5K. But to get the full experience, you’ll need to make a weekend trip to Atlanta as the Mimosa 5K is only one part of this annual festival. Your Saturday morning race through historic Midtown will culminate in a finishers’ mimosa toast, but the fun doesn’t end there! Browse dozens of food and art vendors, listen to live music and continue to feast at the Backyard Bites & Brews event later that day, Brats & Brews that night, and Backyard Brunch the next day. One last thing to toast to? The Mimosa 5K is a Peachtree Road Race qualifier!
The Bacon Run 5K
Oct. 14, 2017 | Atlanta, GA
Atlanta sure knows how to brunch! The Bacon Run is less of a race and more of a celebration of all things bacon, with a side of running. After completing the walk-friendly 5K course, you’ll be at the biggest pork party in town with endless bacon, pork rinds, bacon biscuits and other bacon-inspired treats that your stomach could only imagine! As you wait to see who takes home the prize for best costume, you can jam out to music and mingle with other bacon enthusiasts in your new The Bacon Run t-shirt.
The bRUNch Run
Oct. 8, 2017 | Denver, CO
If you’ve ever been to the Mile High City, you know that Denver digs brunch! Nowhere is this more clear than the bRUNch Run, which combines the city’s love of fitness with their love of breakfast. You’ll start the morning with a 5K or 10K through Denver’s Central Park and finish with a brunch festival, featuring more than 25 local eateries. If you need a little help preparing to run-and-brunch, the race organizers host regular training runs across the country where you can try out popular brunch spots and meet other brunch enthusiasts.
Nebraska State Fair Marathon
Aug. 26, 2017 | Grand Island, NE
The Nebraska State Fair Marathon promotes itself as the “fastest, flattest course in the nation”, which means you can get to your finish line fuel even faster! Run the marathon, half marathon, relay, or 5K and finish inside the Nebraska State Fair, right around brunch time. Where you go from there is up to you, but you’ll have plenty of options with nearly 100 food vendors featuring cinnamon rolls, biscuits and gravy, breakfast burritos and sandwiches, mini doughnuts, chocolate covered bananas, fried chicken breaded with Frosted Flakes, and more…
Cocoa Women’s Half Marathon
TBD 2018 | San Antonio, TX
Sorry guys, but this brunch run is reserved for the ladies. And what a treat it is! Women can take part in the half marathon, relay, Wild Woman 5K or Cocoa 10K through charming San Antonio. Every finisher gets a unique medal and tech shirt, but better yet, you get access to the post-race pancake palooza! Dig into chocolate and fresh fruit alongside world-famous flapjacks from San Antonio’s Magnolia Pancake Haus. Men, ask your wife is she can sneak some pancakes home in her purse – we won’t tell!
Did we miss one? Let us know so we can get in on the action! In the meantime, connect with your brunch crew on Athlinks.com. There, you can find more races guaranteed to give a brunchin’ good time!
