St. Paul's Joyful 5k
On Christmas Day, the annual Joyful 5k Run & Walk takes place at Como Lake in St. Paul Minnesota. Put on by Charities Challege RxExercise, the event is designed to add exercise to families' holiday traditions. Check-in starts at 9 a.m., and the race begins at 10 a.m. and takes a scenic route on USA Track & Field certified 5k course paths around Como Lake. Participants can get more info and pre-register online at active.com or at charitieschallenge.org. As of 2009, entry fees were $23 pre-registered or $30 on race day. Check the website for the most current information.
Tuscon Marathon
For a full-length marathon during the holidays, the Tuscon Marathon in Tuscon, Ariz. is a great option. Taking place on the second Sunday in December, the Tuscon Marathon, Half-Marathon and Marathon Relay is described as a fast and scenic course, great for runners hoping to qualify for the Boston Marathon, as the Tuscon Marathon runs mostly downhill. Past participants have called the race "fast and well-organized" and "a great marathon." The race takes place in Oro Valley Arizona, and generally begins at 7 a.m. Participants can register online and verify updated times and fees at www.active.com.
The Huff 50K
For runners who feel that a Christmas marathon just isn't long enough, the Huff 50K Ultramarathon is a great option. Taking place on the third Saturday of December, at J. Edward Roush Lake in Huntington, Ind., the Huff 50K consists of roughly 31 miles of gently rolling trails. The Huff 50K also features a three-person 50K relay and a One-Loop (10.8 miles) Fun Run. Participants can register at allsportcentral.com.
Article Written By Billy Brown
Billy Brown is an outdoor sports writer living in Northern California.
An avid rock climber and trail runner, he's been writing about outdoor activities, fitness and gear since 2005. He regularly contributes to "The Record Searchlight," uncooped.com, and Trails.com, as well as other print and online publications. Brown holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Simpson University and is a NASM-certified personal trainer.
