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 Run
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
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
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
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/ 5K
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.