Tag: 5k

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How to Add Variety to Your Spring Racing {Oklahoma City & Tulsa}

by Run Oklahoma March 2, 2017 No Comments
The links in the post below may be affiliate links. Read the full disclosure.

 
Did you ever play the driving game where you spot clouds that look like other things? Like you think a cloud looks like a horse and the person next to you thinks the same cloud looks like an elephant. While outside on a beautiful spring-like day I found a few bubbly clouds and started looking for ones that looked like animals. I spotted this cloud and to me it looks like a phoenix, rising from the ashes, renewed and regenerated. What do you see?

The phoenix may be the best mythical representation of spring in Oklahoma; when all the dead, crunchy, brown trees and grass begin to regenerate and bloom. In the spirit of reinvention how about trying a race this spring that is outside the standard 5K races. This March consider trying one of these races that offers and uncommon distance or location.

TATUR Snake Run

This unique race will be a six-hour or three-hour timed run taking place on mostly flat, nearly rock and root free, single track trails on the western side of Turkey mountain. The run will start Saturday, March 18th  at 9:00 am, and finish at 3:00 pm. The course will head northwest from the old upper parking lot following some of the trails used in the Turkey and Taturs race including of course the Snake Trail.  You will run 3.75-mile loops. How many laps can you run in three or six hours? It’s up to you.

OKC Dodgers  CommUNITY Run

Join the OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation and the OKC Police Athletic League on March 25th for the OKC Dodgers CommUNITY Run. The one mile fun run and 5K will start at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark and have a unique finish on the field. A special kids run will take place on the field at the ballpark. This event offers food trucks, kids activities and visits with various non-profits and partners of the run. Following the run, all runners and spectators are encouraged to attend the third annual OKC Dodgers First Look Fan Fest, which will take place inside the ballpark and is free for all attendees.

 

Draper Dirtroads

Close out March with OK Runner on the Draper Lake trails. With a 10K or 10 mile option, this scenic, character-building course is a perfect way to prep for whatever other events you have planned for the spring! And besides, how can you beat at a $5.00 entry fee?

 

 

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5 Best Adventure Races Near Oklahoma

by Run Oklahoma May 9, 2016 1 Comment

Hey Oklahomans! It’s now May and marathon month is over. Are you finding yourself wondering “what next” and looking for something your next big running adventure? If that so, Run Oklahoma has you covered. We’ve gathered a list of adventure races in Oklahoma and surrounding states to get you through the rest of the year.

 

 

The Mowdy Ranch Run 5K/ 10K/ 50K/ Half Marathon/ Marathon Trail Run11406572_1631335827077919_4948260736758101314_n

Where: Coalgate, Oklahoma
When: Saturday, June 11th 2016
Registration: Now Open
Difficulty: Moderate – tripping hazards (rocks, roots, stumps, and horses).
Camp out the night before the race.
Runners will navigate well marked trails up the rocky hills and down into the heavily wooded creek bottoms. The most of the wild horses will be moved to adjacent pastures but some of the horses are reluctant to move and will be on the race course. All of the horses will be visible to the runners so bring your camera. Proceeds of the event are dedicated to preserving the remarkable mustang. Also, there is plenty of free parking and camping spots available.

Spa Running Festival Half Marathon/ 10K/ 5K/ and Sprint

Spa-10K-Top-of-West-Mtn
Where: Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas
When: November 19, 2016
Participants: Capped at 250 runners for ½ marathon
Registration: Now Open
Difficulty: Difficult – goes to the Summit of West Mountain, down the mountain and back up again.
Highlighted by Runner’s World in 2015 as a bucket list event in the “Top 10 Races In or Near a National Park”, the Spa Running Festival is a family-friendly event that has a race for everyone ….. kids, walkers, beginners to elite runners and those that like a challenge! The half marathon is considered a challenge because you get to run West Mountain and to the top of the Summit twice! Are You Up To The Challenge?

 

Santa Fe Thunder Half Marathon/ 5K/ and Mile Walk

santa fe thunder
Where: Santa Fe, New Mexico
When: Sunday September 18, 2016
Registration: Now Open
Difficulty: Easy – uphill for the first 2 miles then downhill for the remaining 11 miles.

Starting in the heart of Santa Fe at historic Fort Marcy, the point-to-point course follows the Old Taos Highway, finishing at the magnificent Buffalo Thunder Resort & Casino in the Pueblo of Pojoaque. The USATF-certified course features spectacular views of the Sangra de Cristo and Jemez mountains while dropping into the colorful Rio Grande Valley. The race boasts African drummers at the start and live music along the course, runners pass by the world-famous Santa Fe Opera, the Tesuque Village Market, Camel Rock and the Tesuque Pueblo on the way to Pojoaque.

Plano Balloon Festival 1K/ 5K/ Half Marathon/ and Half Marathon Relay

tethered_balloon_picture(1)
Where: Plano, TX
When: September 24th and 25th, 2016
Registration: Now Open
Difficulty: Easy

With a race distance for all running levels you can enjoy a run through remarkable hot air balloons. And if you feel up to the adventure, take a hot air balloon ride after your race. All participants receive two tickets to the InTouch Credit Union Plano Balloon Festival plus parking on race day.

Hospital Hill Half Marathon/ 10K/ 5Khospital hill run

Where: Kansas City, Kansas
When: Saturday, June 3rd and 4th, 2016
Registration: Now Open
Difficulty: Moderate

The oldest race in Kansas City now in its 41st year. The half marathon covers hilly but scenic terrain from Crown Center to the Plaza and Brookside areas. People enjoy this race because of the challenge of heat, hills, and humidity. A great way to explore a city and race with some speedy folks.

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November 2015 – Oklahoma Area Races

by Run Oklahoma November 1, 2015 No Comments

turkey-runningOkay, guys. So if you don’t know, November is like THE month for marathons. Like every state has a marathon this month and it’s awesome. But rather than focusing on all of those big name, hugely famous, amazing marathons, we here at Run Oklahoma are going to mix it up and stick with all things Turkey Trot. “What’s a Turkey Trot”, you ask. Well, only the most wondrous thing to happen to Thanksgiving since pumpkin pie! It’s a 5K road race that is run as a way to burn calories prior to an indulgent Thanksgiving dinner. We’ve gathered a list of the Turkey Trots scheduled around Oklahoma and encourage you to check one out. Consider making them a party of your family’s tradition.

November 14th, 2015

Lindsay Turkey Trot – Lindsay, OK

Turkey Trot 5K and Fun Run – Salisaw, OK

Thursday, November 26th 2015

Turkey Day 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run – Norman, OK

Finer Physiques Turkey Trot – Enid, OK

Edmond Turkey Trot 5k – Edmond, OK

Oklahoma City Turkey Trot – OKC, OK

Turkey Day Wobble Gobble 5K – Lawton, OK

Friday, November 27th, 2015

2015 Turkey Trot – Tulsa, OK

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HITS Running Festival Recap – OKC

by Run Oklahoma October 20, 2015 1 Comment

It’s been six long years since my last half marathon. That race was quite a humbling experience filled with IT Band issues and foot injuries. I was new to long distance running and thought the only training I needed to do was to run and still ate whatever I wanted. Since then I have moved to a different state, changed jobs, had four surgeries, and two kids. My biggest take away from my first half marathon and subsequent life changes is that taking good care of myself goes a long way in my training. So over the past few months, in addition to my runs I incorporated clean eating principles and strength training using The 21 Day Fix. The half marathon I ran this weekend was so vastly different than my last. I wasn’t plagued with injuries, I felt strong, and had a bond with the local running community. This was also my first race in my Oiselle singlet. It felt amazing getting to rock that thing, FINALLY! Considering I got a PR, this race gave me loads of confidence to continue training and striving towards my fitness and running goals.

This past weekend I ran in the HITS Running Festival in downtown Oklahoma City. I was hemming and hawing for months about whether or not to sign up. So the day before the scheduled event, I had the brilliant idea that it could serve as a good dress rehearsal for the upcoming Route 66 Half Marathon and decided to go ahead and sign up. Ultimately, I’m so glad I did. I have so many positives comments on this race.

  • Field Size – The number of runners was drastically lower than events like OKC Memorial or Route 66. So the start line wasn’t crowded. I was able to arrive 30 minutes before the start, get a nearby parking spot, and had plenty of room to warm up. 
  • A Distance for Everyone – They really offered every distance from Marathon to 10K to 1 mile fun runs. I saw a lot of groups and families (mine included) with members each participating in races of various distances. Families could watch and cheer each other on throughout the morning because each race had a staggered star time. For example, the half started at 7am and I was done in time to see my husband start his 5K race at 10am.
  • The Course – Each race followed a flat and fast course along the manicured River Trails of the Oklahoma River. The flat course was appreciated. Also, not having to fight cars and traffic was great as well.
  • Refreshment on the Course – Each water aid table along the course was stocked full of water, gatorade, oranges, bananas, and mini candy bars. A varied and delicious selection.
  • Ballpark – Each race FINISHED inside Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. This was sooo much fun. It made it nice for spectators because they could lounge in the stands and watch for friends and family to enter the stadium and cross the finish line. For the runners, you can feel like a super star athlete when seeng yourself on the jumbotron in the stadium and the soft and well manicured track feels so good on tired feet at the end of a long race. 
  • Treats After the Race – Lots and lots of donuts, bananas, oranges, grapes, bagels, coffee, and more. Super good snacks. I had a great time just snacking on treats and hanging in the stadium while waiting for friends and family to race.

Every race has some downsides and this one had only a few.

  • Smell – holy smokes y’all. You may be running on a well manicured path along the river but when you run by the stockyards the smell gets pretty rancid. It was a cool, windy morning and the smell was still pretty bad. And because it’s an out and back loop race you have to hit that smell a second time on your way back. phew!
  • Confusion at Starting Line – When you were finishing your race you basically crossed back over where the starting line to get into the stadium to finish your race. This was confusing for some marathon and half marathon runners finishing their race while the 5K, 10K, and mile racers were starting their races.
  • Not Enough Finisher Medals – They had many runners register last minute (like me) and therefore didn’t have enough finisher medals for everyone. It’s a bummer but it happens. They are ordering more and will be mailing them out to folks though.

In speaking with several other runners from the event, there seemed to be a consensus between our opinion of the race and how it was organized. Ultimately, it was a great race that was executed well. I would run this race again and encourage others to check it out next fall.

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4 DIY Running Costumes for the Procrastinator

by Run Oklahoma October 18, 2015 No Comments

So you’ve signed up for a race in Halloween costume race. Even though you planned and expertly executed your training, your plan for a costume is still lacking. Never fear, Run Oklahoma has some quick, easy, do-it-yourself costume ideas that even the best procrastinator can pull off.

Running Bandit – You’re dressed as a bandit and you’re running in a race. Get it?! Well, regardless of the cheese factor, Lia Griffith still came up with a totally easy costume to put together. Black leggings, black gloves, black hat, black mask, and a little fabric with a dollar symbol  and you’re ready to run in a completely functional costume.

Robber_Costume_DIY

Skeleton – What would a Halloween racing costume be without a spooky costume?  Well thank your lucky stars that Martha Stewart has you covered with a tutorial video and templates to create a skeleton rib cage cut out. Pair it with black running tights and if you’re feeling adventurous throw on some skeleton face paint as well.

skeleton costume

Pirate –  Pirate costumes can be easy to create AND conducive to running. Are you sensing a theme here? All you need are a few yards of your favorite pirate fabric. Cut it to create a head scarf and a sarong. Fray the edges of the fabric to give it that swashbuckler feel and you’re set. Photo from Another Mother Runner.

running pirates

Baker and Gingerbread Man – This idea is great for couples. All you need is an apron and rolling pin for the baker. The gingerbread man costume can be some inexpensive scrubs or sweats painted with fabric paint. Totally cute. Totally versatile. Run run just as fast as you can. You can’t catch me I’m the Gingerbread Man.

bakerandginger

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October 2015 – Oklahoma Area Races

by Run Oklahoma September 28, 2015

I don’t think God made a more perfect month than October. The cooler temperatures, foliage, and wide variety of race offerings make running outdoors in Oklahoma a delightful experience. Here are a few races that may tickle your October running fancy.

Gotta Have a Beer Run – There is an obligation for runners over the age of 21 to run a beer race in the month of October. If you aren’t of the legal drinking age, at least Red Coyote is providing you with an opportunity to run the Runtoberfest 5K in your lederhosen.

lederhosen costume

Gotta Have Your Own Distance Run – The HITS Running Festival is making its way to Oklahoma City this year and offers a distance for everyone (1 mile all the way to marathon). Each race will FINISH inside Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark while traversing the FLAT & FAST course over soaring Skydance Bridge and manicured River Trails along the Oklahoma River.

Gotta Have a Costume Run – On Halloween day, you can dress up in your costume and get out and participate in the Monster Dash at Reeves Park in Norman. It’s  a great way to burn some calories and earn all that candy you’ll be gobbling up later that night.

monsterdash

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JUNE 2015 – OKLAHOMA CITY AREA RACES

by Run Oklahoma June 1, 2015 No Comments

June is home to National Running Day. What better month go get out and run in a local race. Better yet, a local race may be a great way to enjoy the cooler temperatures that Oklahoma has been experiencing this year.

Night Time Race – Night races are a great way to beat the heat of those long summer days. This year The Full Moon 5K Run in Tulsa features a Fun Run and 5K Race followed by a glowing party in the park. Folks will be decked in neon, flashing or glowing garb.   Awards go to the male and female “Most Glowing” run costume.

Celebrating Dad Race – Sunday, June 21st is Father’s Day. If you’re not sure what to get that special dad in your life, look no further, Dad’s Day 5K has got you covered.You can honor your Dad by entering his name and email address on the race Registration Form. An email will be delivered to him letting him know that you are running to honor him!

Something a Little Different Race – Are you looking for something a bit more challenging or different than a typical 5K road race? If so, check out the Riversport Challenge – Duathlon. This event is on its 6th year  and a great way to become acquainted with the Oklahoma River. The first leg of this race is 500 meters either in a kayak or on a stand up paddleboard. The second leg is a 5K Run on the Oklahoma River Trails. Don’t worry about bringing your own life jacket or kayak cause they are provided by the race.

For more races around Oklahoma check out the Find a Race page. 

Miles Agains Melanoma
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Skin Cancer Awareness and Race Discount

by Run Oklahoma May 18, 2015 No Comments

Running is a great way to better your health by increasing lung capacity and heart strength. However, all of that training and sweating often times takes place out doors and is building damage to the largest organ of your body, your skin. May is National Skin Cancer Awareness Month and with more than 3.5 million new cases of skin cancer diagnosed and 2.2 million people treated in the U.S. each year, it’s important for the Run Oklahoma community to be aware of prevention and early detection.

Sun Protection Tips for Runners

  • Run during hours when the sun is less intense. Generally it is strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you train during those hours, find shady places to run.
  • Put sunscreen on before your running outfit, not at the race site. This will give it time to soak in, and keep you from applying it less thoroughly or forgetting it altogether because of pre-race excitement. Use an SPF 15 or higher sunscreen. Look for stick formulations, sport, or water-resistant versions.
  • Run in a hat and UV-blocking sunglasses. Polarized lenses help beat the glare.
  • Always keep sunscreen in your race bag.
  • Have a friend posted somewhere in the second half of the race to hand you a small, one-use, wipe sunscreen (or keep a small packet in your pocket), so that you can reapply it to your face, neck and arms as you run. You can do that without really breaking stride. Sunscreen starts to lose effectiveness at about the two-hour mark, or even sooner if you are sweating heavily.
  • Before post-race festivities begin, reapply sunscreen, and give yourself a quick massage in the process to help relax your sore muscles.
  • Post-race clothes should include a lightweight but long-sleeve T-shirt and sweats. Darker colors offer ideal sun protection. Or opt for special sun-protective clothing.

Early Detection

The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends that everyone practice monthly head-to-toe self examination of  their skin, so that they can find any new or changing lesions that might be cancerous or precancerous. Skin cancers found and removed early are almost always curable. Learn about the warnings signs of skin cancer and what to look for during a self examination. If you spot anything suspicious, see a doctor.

Miles Against Melanoma – Race Discount

Miles Agains MelanomaIn September,Miles Against Melanoma is hosting a 5K race and will have medical students from Stephenson Cancer Center available at the race to hand out sunscreen samples to all runners. For skin cancer awareness month, Miles Against Melanoma  has offered a generous discount to the Run Oklahoma community. You can receive $10 off race registration now through June 1st with discount code RUNOKC. Sign up today and you have plenty of time to train to run your first or fastest 5K in September.

Miles Against Melanoma 5K
When: September 12th, 8:00 AM
Where: Mitch Park, Edmond

Details: Register now
Contact: info@mamok.org

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May 2015 – Oklahoma City Area Races

by Run Oklahoma April 29, 2015

superfanfinish2It’s hard to believe that May is already upon us and spring is in full swing. May can be a pretty intense month here in Oklahoma. Think hail storms, thunder storms, and tornados. Perhaps to counter balance the severe weather Oklahoma receives, the month of May seems to be chockablock full of party and/or good food racing events . We’ve gathered a list of local races that are sure to be a blast. For a more extensive list of races check out the Find a Race page.

The Drunkest Run  – Yes, you read that correctly. The McNellie’s Pub 4 Mile Run on Saturday, May 2nd in Oklahoma City is certain to get you tipsy; especially if you take the Guinness Challenge. The challenge encourages participants  to FINISH three 12 ounce Guinness pints during the 4 mile run; one at each water stop (at about mile marker 1.5 and 3) and one at the finish line.

Let Your Sports Freak Flag Fly Run – You live in Oklahoma, so it’s likely you enjoy sports of some sort. Whether you’re a die hard Sooner, Cowboy, or Thunder fan the Old Hat Super Fan 5K in Norman is your chance to get dressed up in your best sports gear and have the crowd cheering you on for a change. Besides, Barry Switzer, Rumble the Bison, and notable Oklahoma City Thunder super fans will be present. It’s sure to be a good time. The race is Saturday, May 16th so get cracking on your sports fan attire.

The Tastiest 5K – Fat Guy’s Burger Bar is hosting a Burgers and Baseball 5K race in Tulsa that benefits the Pet Adoption League. The race starts at 7:30 on Saturday, May 30th. After the race participants are treated to complimentary burgers and beverages.

oklahoma running groups
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Running Groups in Oklahoma

by Run Oklahoma April 27, 2015 No Comments

Yesterday morning the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon was being broadcast on local news station KFOR as many folks woke for their Sunday morning paper and coffee. The Memorial Marathon has taken a tragic incident that took the lives of 168 people and created a beautiful event that celebrates the lives of those lost and the vibrant, resilient community of Oklahoma City.  Seeing on the screen thousands of determined runners and walkers taking part in the what is truly a run to remember,  mostly likely inspired many others to participate in the event next year. If you are feeling motivated to run or walk in the Memorial Marathon next year, a running group may be the best way to help you maintain that momentum and help keep you accountable to your goal. There are various running groups that meet up around the state and a few are listed below. It’s never to early to begin training.

Edmond Running  Club (Edmond) -The Edmond Running Club (ERC) is a non-profit organization promoting healthy lifestyles, social interaction, structured training, and races. Walkers, joggers, runners and their families are all welcome. ERC post group run information and locations on their Facebook page.

Red Coyote (OKC) – Red Coyote is a running store located in Oklahoma City. They currently are hosting a Newbie Running program that provides a structured introduction for folks new to running.

OK Landrunners (OKC) -Landrunners is a running club located in Oklahoma City. They currently have an 8 week 5K training program for folks just starting to run, Walker to Landrunner. This group meets every Saturday at Lake Hefner East Warf.

OK Runner (Norman) – OK Runner is a speciality running, walking, and lifestyle store located in Norman.  OK Runner hosts a morning group run Saturdays at 7:30am. It’s a 10 mile run with two water stops throughout the course. You are welcome to run as long or short as you’d like. Even better, you can join the group after the run for breakfast at Cool Greens just a few doors down from OK Runner’s brick and mortar store.  

RunHers (OKC & Norman) – RunHers is a women’s running community that offers running and walking training groups. Groups meet on various days in a few different locations in OKC and Norman.

Fleet Feet (Tulsa) – Fleet Feet is a running store with two locations in Tulsa. Fleet Feet organizes various group training programs  that range from fist time 5K to more experienced runners. Check out their training page for more information.