A Year in Runs

What gets you running? If it's ice cream, dodging water balloons or competing as a team, this list has you covered

A Year in Runs
Stephen Schlange

Sundae Sunday

Why You Do It: If you're looking for an incentive to run a giant 10-mile loop from Joe Albi Stadium through Riverside State Park, how about free ice cream at the finish line?

Date: Sept. 7

Distance: 10 miles

Cost: $15

active.com


Turkey Trot

Why You Do It: It just seems fitting to spend Thanksgiving morning in Manito Park simultaneously exercising and helping out the 2nd Harvest food bank.

Date: Nov. 27

Distance: 2 or 5 miles

Cost: Free, but food donations encouraged

Get Info: active.com


Hangover Handicap

Why You Do It: The cold and ice are inevitable, but the hangover and sleep deprivation are up to you. To top off the glorious misery, this morning run is done right in time for the polar plunge into Lake Coeur d'Alene.

Date: Jan. 1

Distance: 5 miles

Cost: $15

teshinc.com


Bloomsday

Why You Do It: It's easy to get lost in the swarm of 50,000 or so runners, but the energy from the crowd is remarkable.

Date: May 3

Distance: 7.46 miles

Cost: $17

Get Info: bloomsdayrun.org


Run or Dye

Why You Do It: This is probably one of the prettiest ways to run: start out donning plain, all-white clothes (or a crazy costume of your choice) and finish as a rainbow.

Date: May

Distance: 3.1 miles

Cost: $47

Get Info: runordye.com


U-District PT Summer Fun Run Series

Why You Do It: Perfect for the beginner, this run takes you over relatively flat terrain on the Centennial Trail and you can choose between three race dates.

Date: July 14, 21, 28

Distance: 1 or 3.1 miles

Cost: $5

Get Info: udistrictpt.com


Muddy Miles

Why You Do It: If you can make it through the mud, obstacles and water-balloon pelting, you'll be victorious but definitely not spotless.

Date: July 18

Distance: 2 miles

Cost: $35

Get Info: muddymiles.com


Schweitzer Mountain Trail Run

Why You Do It: Run the trails through the mountain village, then stay for the Schweitzer Mountain Music Festival in the afternoon.

Date: July 18

Distance: 3.5 or 10 miles

Cost: $15 or $25

Get Info: smtrailrun.com


Spokane to Sandpoint Relay

Why You Do It: You have 30 hours to run all 200 miles of this course that meanders through two national forests and along waterfront, but at least you can split it up with a 12-runner team.

Date: Aug. 14-15

Distance: 200 miles

Cost: $1,380 for team of 7-12

Get Info: spokanetosandpoint.com

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