With our gorgeous year-round weather and variety of terrain throughout the region, it is no wonder that San Diegan’s are some of the most active people in the USA. And while many of us choose that activity to be surfing, biking, jogging, swimming or some other leisurely pursuit, some San Diegan’s like to push their competitive limits by participating in one (or many) of the numerous races that are held throughout San Diego each year.
As an avid mud runner myself, I’m excited to be taking on my 3rd Super Spartan Race at the end of the month. Nothing quite gets my blood pumping like crawling through mud under barbed wire, pushing my way through a gauntlet of defenders or perfecting my javelin throwing skills. Here’s more information on the Spartan Race and several other upcoming San Diego races that are guaranteed to get you dirty, wet and beaming from ear to ear!
Spartan Race
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hrn7XGemSU]8+ mile Mud Run course through the Temecula hills. 20+ obstacles including climbing over walls or through tunnels, balance challenges and jumping over fire.
Where: Vail Lake Resort – 38000 Temecula Pkwy, Temecula, CA 92592
When: January 25-26, 2014
Cost: $95-$140 (depending on when you register)
> Find out more about the Spartan Race
Super Gladiator
This 5-mile, 25 obstacle mud run course is the biggest, baddest, muddiest Gladiator event yet! They claim to have more obstacles per mile than any other race in the planet – and I’m looking forward to seeing if that is true! Climb sheer walls, slither across muddy fields and rocket down a 150 foot water slide into a pool of mud – who wouldn’t like to do that?!
Where: Barona Indian Reservation – 1800 Wildcat Canyon Road, Lakeside, CA 92040
When: Saturday, April 26, 2014 – Changed to August 2, 2014
Cost: $75-120 (depending on when you register)
> Find out more about Super Gladiator
Ridiculous Obstacle Course (ROC) Race
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJubq3tHexs]A 5k “Fun Run” with 12 larger than life, game show inspired obstacles including the Wrecking Ball, World’s Largest Inflatable Water Slide and Jumping Balls. Many participants dress up in costume and this is meant to be a fun time with your friends. I’ve done this race 3 times and highly recommend it – a San Diego race that everyone can have fun doing!
Where: Del Mar Fairgrounds – 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, CA 92014
When: Saturday, May 10, 2014
Cost: $55-80 (depending on when you register)
> Find out more about the Ridiculous Obstacle Course (ROC) Race
For those who like to run but could do without the mud, here are a few upcoming San Diego races that might pique your interest:
San Dieguito Half Marathon
This scenic half marathon course winds its way through some of the most beautiful areas of Rancho Santa Fe. One of America’s oldest half marathons, the San Dieguito is celebrating 46 years this year!
Where: San Dieguito County Park in Rancho Santa Fe
When: Sunday, February 9, 2014
Cost: $50-70 (depending on when you register)
> Find out more about the San Dieguito Half Marathon
La Jolla Half Marathon
Race #2 of the Half Marathon Triple Crown, the La Jolla Half Marathon features a gorgeous run along the La Jolla coast, a challenging incline up to the summit of Torrey Pines State Park and then through picturesque La Jolla Shores where it finishes at the La Jolla Cove.
Starting Location: Del Mar Fairgrounds – 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, CA 92014
When: April 27, 2014
Cost: $80
> Find out more about the La Jolla Half Marathon
Safari Park Half Marathon & 10K Run
Starting at the Westfield North County Mall, this half marathon ends inside the Safari Park. Runners will not only experience the fun of running past vineyards, horse farms and golf resorts, but they’ll also run through some of the Safari Park’s behind-the-scenes areas. Not only will they see animals along their run, but participants will also get to stay to explore the park after the race is over!
Where: San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido
Date: May 4, 2014
Cost: $75-120 (depending on when you register)
> Find out more about the Safari Park Half Marathon & 10K Run
> Find more San Diego Races and Runs
So whether you’re a racer looking for a new location to run, a visitor looking for a unique San Diego experience, or a local who’s out to spice things up a little, I encourage you to get out and enjoy some San Diego races. Your body will thank you!