Sometimes the best motivator in life is a deadline. That's exactly what signing up for a race gives you when it comes to your fitness routine. But looking beyond your fitness goals, races can also be great events full of new experiences to broaden your horizons. With that idea in mind, here is a list of four upcoming races spread across the United States in places that you might not have considered visiting otherwise. Check one out, but make sure you move quickly - they are all happening very soon!
Burlington, Vermont
May 25 - KeyBank Vermont City Marathon & Relays
Nestled between two mountain chains on the banks of Lake Champlain sits this charming old New England town. It's actually the largest city in Vermont, but that doesn't mean a lot considering it is home to only around 44,000 residents. The highlights of this event are the natural beauty, the fast course, the charming town, and the impressive outpouring of support from the community and volunteers. Also, you'll want to have breakfast.
Purcellville, Virginia
May 31 - Virginia Wine Country Half Marathon
Who's ready to run through Virginia Wine Country? In fact, the race starts, and finishes at Doukenie Winery, located just outside of historic Leesburg, a beautiful old colonial town complete with the added charm of large Victorian houses scattered all through it. The race itself winds through old rural areas of Virginia Wine Country, and features live music and wine tastings both at the start and finish, as well as the midpoint of the route at Hiddencroft Vinyards.
South Bend, Indiana
May 31 - Sunburst Marathon, Half, 10K, 5K
Why incude a race in South Bend, Indiana? First of all, when I was very young, I developed a minor obsession with Notre Dame Football. That's important to note in this case because the finish line of the race is right on the field of the venerable University of Notre Dame Stadium. Does anyone know if you can still see "Touchdown Jesus" from field-level? You should also spend more time with midwesterners. Those people are just so darn nice.
Moab, Utah
June 7 - Thelma & Louise Half Marathon
* LADIES ONLY *
This place is breathtaking so schedule a couple of days of adventuring to take it all in. But ladies, why not schedule that trip to include a quirky little half marathon they call the Thelma & Louise? The highlights of this one are fairly obvious:
- the expansive red rock landscape is gorgeous.
- the entire half marathon runs down hill.
- you get a day off from men.
As for that extra adventuring, you have Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and Dead Horse Point State Park all easily accessible. So tackle a Colorado River canyon, or climb a jagged, red rock face. The great American Southwest is there for the taking.
Enjoy!
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