Mud, colors, obstacles and lights
In the past, running competitions were mainly intended for athletes who wanted to set a good time. Nowadays, running events that revolve around atmosphere are very popular. Conviviality is paramount, how quickly you cross the finish line is unimportant. That makes these runs extra fun for beginners, but also for runners who like to party. Which ‘fun runs’ are there and what are the differences?
color run
The organization describes the color run as “The happiest 5K on the planet”. You start this 5 kilometer run in a white T-shirt. Then, at each kilometer point, you will be covered with a powder of a different color. At the finish you will look like a rainbow!
The powder is safe, but like any other dust, you’d rather keep it out of your eyes. Put on sunglasses or goggles, especially if you wear contact lenses. Participants with asthma are advised to wear a mask or bandana.
You don’t need a good bishop for such color runs. Walking is allowed. Many runners deliberately pass at their leisure the zones where the organization sprinkles you with powder. Your end time will not be recorded.
In the dark
‘Regular’ running competitions usually take place during the day. Evening people can indulge themselves during special evening runs. These start after sunset, so you can walk in the dark. Sometimes light effects, music or a special course create a special atmosphere. The participants often don reflective clothing and decorate themselves with portable lights.
There is a wide variety of running events in the dark. There is the electric run: a variant of the color run with light effects where your time is again not important. The well-known Dam tot damloop and Zevenheuvelenloop organize a shorter version ‘by night’ on the evening before the long distance (8 and 7 kilometers respectively). On and around the Grebbeberg you can participate twice a year in the Bergrace, a run over various distances where there are even candles and torches along the course. Your time will be measured during this run.
Obstacles
Do you find walking alone offers too little of a challenge or do you like climbing, clambering and getting dirty? Running events with obstacles are mushrooming.
Also with this type of fun run there is something for everyone. There are trails of a few kilometers with mud pits and child-friendly climbing and tiger sections, which you can participate in with the whole family. But there are also so-called obstacle and mud runs of a half marathon with tough obstacles along the way, for which you need a lot of perseverance, strength and condition. And there are many variants in between.
Ladies together
Another variant that is on the rise is running where men are only welcome as supporters: ladies runs. The courses vary from about 3 to 10 kilometers. Some ladies runs have a mother-daughter run over a short distance in which children are allowed to participate.
Many women’s runs are decorated with all kinds of entertainment. For example, a joint warm-up led by a well-known sportswoman, the possibility to have a bite to eat afterwards, a market where you can shop sports clothing and gadgets, a goodie bag at the finish, et cetera.
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The above list is certainly not exhaustive. There are also running events in zoos, with costume parties, through shopping malls, in high heels and with bands and DJs on the side.
Some events are all about the festival feeling. If you want to set a personal record, you will probably be disturbed by the many walkers there. Other runs are more performance oriented and require more serious preparation.
As a beginner you certainly don’t have to limit yourself to fun runs. At most regular running competitions, all recreational players are also welcome. You will then start at a different time or a little way behind the competition athletes, so that you can run at your own pace.
If you are looking for color, obstacle, fun or mud run on the internet, you will find events throughout the country. Before registering, take a look at the organization’s website. There you can read about the character of the event and what distances and possible extras are available.
