Every month there is a smorgasbord of events for the avid racer to toe the line. Athlinks brings you a highlight of some of the next few weeks best races. What start lists have you joined for the next month? Let us know in the comments or give us a shout on Twitter at @Athlinks
3/4, Culver City CA
Bring your camera to enjoy the sights and the costumes! So many people dressed up last year, the costume contest was more competitive than the 5K awards! Culver City is the “Heart of Screenland” and what better place to have a 5K run than along the historic city streets where some of the most famous MGM movies were filmed. Racers begin under the rainbow on Culver Blvd. at Main Street. One of the first things racers will pass is the Culver Hotel, which hosted the Munchkins while “The Wizard of Oz” was being filmed.
3/4, Miami Beach FL
Hit Miami like a local in this half marathon and 5k featuring the best beaches of Miami Beach, Florida. This race includes locals and runners from across the world who want to experience this fast and beautiful course. Newly added in 2018 is a race within a race, the 400-meter speed challenge that appears at mile 3.05. This 305 Drive Ignited will track your time for this sprint to give you even more bragging rights.
3/10, Cortland NY
It may be winter, but that doesn’t mean you need to sit around and binge your favorite TV show for the hundredth time. Get off your butt and check out the Greek Peak Winter Sprint! This Spartan race ranges from three to five miles and features up to 23 different obstacles. The blend of obstacles will include tried-and-true obstacles from years past as well as several new ones. Check out the Spartan Ladder, the Olympus climbing wall, the Ape Hanger rope course, and the Ring the Bell course. The manageable length of the race means it’s perfect if you’re a first-time racer but still lots of fun for experienced runners.
Blue Diamond Almonds Shamrock’n Half Marathon
3/11, Sacramento CA
Once the prime location for fortune seekers during the gold rush of the pioneer age, West Sacramento can still offer you that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow as the location of the Blue Diamond Almonds Shamrock’n Half Marathon. Runners can enjoy the mild weather and scenic views of the city’s Sacramento River as they pace themselves along the course. The race starts from Raley Field and will take runners across the iconic Tower Bridge, along the Capitol Mall, down 7th Street, through R Street and near Crocker Park before winding back around to Raley Field for the finish.
3/16, Glendale AZ
Inspired by the song Kiss Me I’m Irish from Gaelic Storm. What better way than celebrate St Patrick’s weekend with real Irish Music! With a Half Marathon, 8K, 4k AND run at the world’s largest Kilt run record Kiss Me I’m Irish has something for everyone. 2018 will be the second year of a 4 part medal. The finishers medal builds over 4 years into a lucky four leaf clover.
Publix Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon
3/18, Atlanta GA
Atlanta’s only official marathon is the Publix Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon, which is sponsored by the Atlanta Track Club. Distance runners flock to this major and hugely popular event in the south, so it’s important to register as soon as possible. The course takes participants through some of the hottest spots in this charming southern city.
3/17, Virginia Beach VA
What started as a single marathon in 1973 has become a St. Patrick’s Day tradition that sees more than 25,000 participants over the course of a weekend. The Yuengling Shamrock Marathon Weekend is a three-day event and is home to sports and fitness expos, relay races, fitness challenges, and, of course, a marathon or two. Whether you want to run a full marathon, a half marathon, an 8K or a shorter race, you are sure to find something you’ll love at this event.
3/24, Houston TX
Get off the couch and get muddy. This year’s Houston Sprint is a Spartan Sprint for the books. The three-mile course may be the shortest Spartan race, but it is definitely more than a walk in the park. The perfect distance for new and experienced participants alike, the race features up to 23 different obstacles for you and your team to journey through. Whether you’re jumping over walls or shimmying through pits of mud, you’ll be having fun and moving your body.
4/7, Virginia Beach VA
Tackling a 5K is already a great way to Crush It and this activity becomes even better when it’s for a worthy cause. Proceeds for Crush N’Run benefit the planned Camp Grom. The sandy beach along Pacific Avenue is where you’ll leave your mark for the first half of this race before heading up some beach steps and doubling back toward the after party.
4/7, Louisville KY
Experience a warm welcome in the “Gateway of the South” by joining thousands of running enthusiasts for the Papa John’s 10 Miler in Louisville, Kentucky. This race is the third and final leg of the Louisville Triple Crown of Running from Planet Fitness. Participants will begin the race right outside of the world-famous Churchill Downs horse racing course at Third Street.
