A little while ago I blogged about fun fitness trends and runs with glow lights and a techno beat and I asked “Is this a rave or a race?”

Now I’m starting to wonder if anyone runs a regular 5 or 10km any more. Yes, there are standard issue marathons and half marathons, for the serious one track mind runners. But for us ‘playing with fitness’ folks runs and races now come in a wide range of flavours.

This summer I’ve been invited to do a tough mudder, the warrior dash, run for your life, and run or dye. All different sorts of running fun.

What do these events have that regular running races lack?

Here’s a few features: Fun, parties, upper body strength, agility, teams…also mud seems a particularly popular addition. A few of these are definitely events worth running in your old “leave them for charity, after they’re washed” running shoes. I’ve signed up for the warrior dash and though I don’t drink beer, I’m looking forward to getting my Viking Warrior hat at the end. I also like the that it’s cross country running and the obstacles require upper body strength. Generalists stand a chance over the whippet thin elf-like long distance runners.

I’ve written before that that’s one of the things I like about CrossFit. Here’s what Tony Leyland has to say about CrossFit and fitness: “Our program delivers a fitness that is, by design, broad, general, and inclusive. Our specialty is not specializing. Combat, survival, many sports, and life reward this kind of fitness and, on average, punish the specialist.” (Crossfit Journal)

I’m a bit nervous about the Warrior Dash but friends did it last year and said it was fun. At least it’s short. There’s been controversy over the Tough Mudder (here’s the pledge: I understand that Tough Mudder is not a race but a challenge. I put teamwork and camaraderie before my course time. I do not whine – kids whine) after a recent death. See Tough Mudder Death Shows Risk of Extreme Endurance Events.

I loved the Zombie Run idea best because it’s so inclusive. You can sign up as a human runner or a zombie chaser. The chasers come in two sorts–the fast paced sprinting pursuit zombies and the slow paced, jump out and scare you, stumbler zombies.

I’m curious if anyone has written something on the popularity of these events which blend popular culture, general fitness, and running. The most fun/least running seems to be the “run or dye” event which you run in white clothes and get covered in dye shot at you from spray guns….

Also, any others you’d add to this list?

Run for Your Life

THE ORIGINAL ZOMBIE INFESTED 5K OBSTACLE COURSE RACE “Anyone can run. But everything changes when you’re running for your life. Test your speed, strength and endurance through miles of man-made and natural obstacles—all while being chased by hungry, merciless zombies. This obstacle course race is like nothing you’ve ever experienced before. And hopefully, it won’t be your last. Waiting at the end of this zombie infected 5k—aside from a possible brain craving—is an apocalypse party to die for. Celebrate your survival or imminent zombie transformation at this one-of-a-kind festival complete with food, live bands, a DJ, and of course beer.”

Tough Mudder

Cue the scary, inspirational music and speech! THE TOUGHEST EVENT ON THE PLANET Tough Mudder events are hardcore 10-12 mile obstacle courses designed by British Special Forces to test your all around strength, stamina, mental grit, and camaraderie. With the most innovative courses, 700,000 inspiring participants worldwide to date, and more than $5 million raised for the Wounded Warrior Project, Tough Mudder is the premier adventure challenge series in the world.

Warrior Dash

THE WORLD’S LARGEST OBSTACLE RACE SERIES

Run or Dye