5 Fun Family Races Across the US

Family getting ready for fun run

Lace up your shoes and get ready to run! There are many exciting races that tour the country and stop in cities near you. Our family’s most recent race was in Vail, Colorado, at the Kids Adventure Games. If you’ve run in your fair share of color-flying races in your own town, and you’re looking for a way to branch out and see more of the country at the same time, we’ve got the list for you. From east to the far west, here are fun destinations that play host to some unique races the whole family can enjoy.

Fairfax Egg Run - Fairfax, Vermont

Named one of the best races to do with your kids, by Active.com, The Fairfax Egg Run offers three events for runners to choose from: A 5K run, a 5K walk, and a 10K run. There is also a 1K kids run for runners age 13 and under. Participants can walk or run at their own pace, and the best part is every participant gets to enjoy a complimentary post-race omelet breakfast.

The event takes place in August in Fairfax, Vermont. You can pick up your rental car at Alamo Rent a Car after flying into the Burlington International Airport.

The Seattle Marathon Summer Kids Fun Run – Seattle, Washington

Want to run a full marathon with your kids but at your own pace? The Seattle Marathon Summer Kids Fun Run allows you to do just that. Families can track their first 25 miles for six to eight weeks, then finish the last 1.2 miles in a race through Seattle the day before the Seattle Marathon. Start your race at home, then fly to the Seattle Tacoma International Airport, where your rental car will be waiting.

Participants, kindergarten through eighth grade, will get to run past the Seattle Center, the Space Needle and finish in Memorial Stadium.

This race is not only a great way for the family to stay in shape, but it also a great way to make sure they’re learning all summer. Along with their mileage, participants are asked to keep a record of 13 books they’ve read and 13 good deeds they’ve done, creating a versatile experience.
 

Seattle Space Needle, Washington

 

Kids Obstacle Challenge – Nationwide

If you want a race that can get the whole family out for a messy good time, you’ll want to check out the Kids Obstacle Challenge. Each race boasts more than a dozen obstacles, such as rock climbing walls, balance beams, mud crawls and rope swings. The top three participants in each age division from 5 to 16 win an award. Parents run the course for free with their registered child racer. Our family enjoyed getting down and dirty and pushing ourselves to try something new. The course is short enough for first-time racers – and full of messy obstacles that will have you smiling from start to finish.

This event travels around the country and makes a late summer stop in Salt Lake City, Utah, where the mountains set a beautiful backdrop for the event.
 

Kids Obstacle Challenge rope swing My daughter finishing the last obstacle: A rope swing over the mud pit during the Kids Obstacle Challenge.

 

Kids Adventure Games – Vail, Colorado and Nationwide

If you’re looking for a fun challenge that will push your kids to new heights while visiting a beautiful outdoorsy location, the Kids Adventure Games may be just what you’re looking for.

Unlike other events, kids tackle this one without adults in teams of two while their parents walk near the course and cheer on their little athletes. The race emphasizes teamwork, problem solving, sportsmanship, environmental awareness and fun. The kids cross the finish line muddy, sweaty, smiling and full of pride. Obstacles include zip lining and river rafting, mountain bike riding and rock climbing.

The event began in 2009 in Vail, Colorado, which and it continues to be its flagship race location; though it now takes place at eight locations across the country.

Fly into the Denver International Airport and drive about an hour and 40 minutes to Vail. 

 

Koloa Plantation Days Family Fun Run - Koloa, Hawaii 

How about a family race on the beautiful Hawaiian island of Kaua’i?

On the last day of the Koloa Plantation Days on Kauai’s south shore, there’s a Family Fun Race that offers healthy fun for everyone. Four different course lengths allow families to choose based on their abilities and endurance. And all give families the chance to enjoy the beautiful ocean views. The race includes prizes, race jerseys and free mini massages for all participants.

The event takes place every year in July. It’s a celebration recognizing the many ethnic groups that came to Hawaii to work on sugar plantations, as well as the Hawaiians who welcome them. There’s of music, dance, costumes and food throughout the 10-day festival. Pick up your rental car from Alamo Rent A Car after flying into the Lihue Airport.

Whether you’re looking for a race on the beach, or an adventure you can watch your child enjoy, there are a lot of options to allow you to explore the country and push your fitness limits.

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About the Author

Jennifer Borget

Jennifer Borget is a domestically-challenged part-time journalist, and a full-time mom. She’s a photographer and storyteller challenging families to cherish and make the most of every day on at Cherish365.  To catch more of her motherhood journey, follow @JenniferBorget on Instagram and join her #Cherish365 community on Facebook.