Race Directing Is a Dirty, Complicated, Thankless Job. Here’s Why They Do It Anyway.
Turns out, it’s not just you who’s stressed on race day.
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The Dream of the ‘90s is Alive with these Nostalgic Electrolyte Flavors
Enjoy tastes like Sunny-D, Hawaiian Fruit Punch, and Kool Aid this summer—just without the corn syrup, and with the electrolytes you need to run your best.
Eiger Ultra-Trail by UTMB Start Lists, Race Guide, Plus How to Watch
The UTMB World Series returns to the Bernese Alps of Switzerland on July 16-20.
Sponsored Content
Join California’s Best Coastal Community Run
The 2025 Malibu Moves has it all: running events for all levels, iconic beach scenery, and a celebration of people and purpose
The 12 Best Half Marathons in the U.S. (That Feel Like a Party)
Half the marathon means double the fun at these races around the country.
Katie Schide, Ludo Pommeret Triumph Amid Tragedy at 2025 Hardrock 100
Katie Schide broke Courtney Dauwalter's course record and Ludo Pommeret defended his title two weeks before his 50th birthday. This year's event was also marked by the tragic death of a runner at mile 6, our on-the-ground correspondent reports.
18-Week Beginner 50K Training Plan
Consider this your go-to guide for a great first ultra experience.
Too Much Data About Your Biomechanics Could Hurt You (Literally)—Here’s Why
A physical therapist explains why monitoring biomechanical numbers might do more harm than good—and what to pay attention to instead.
12 Run Races You Can Turn into a Vacation
Sweat first, sightsee later—these races are the ultimate excuse to travel.
Training Plan Central
Outside Run’s 2025 Training Plan Central
Expert-curated run training plans for brand-new runners getting started and experienced veterans looking to PR. Run scheduling from top run coach to train for every race distance: 5K, 10K, half marathon, marathon, and more.
Editors’ Picks
- Go From Couch to Half Marathon in Just 20 Weeks with this Training Plan
- The 16-Week Low-Mileage Marathon Plan (That Works)
- Run a Half Marathon in 4 Weeks with This Plan
- Go From Couch to Marathon with this 24-Week Training Plan
- The Perfect Marathon Training Plan
- Run a Sub-2-Hour Half Marathon With This Training Plan
- Break 3 Hours in the Marathon with this 19-Week Plan
Gear
The Lightest Super Shoe Ever Made: Asics Metaspeed Ray Review
We tested the new ultra-light racing shoe from Asics to see how it performs and if it is right for you.
Editors’ Picks
- How Accurate Is Your Heart-Rate Monitor, Really?
- Fast (and Slow) Miles in the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5
- Experts Want You To Stop Doing This With Your Massage Gun
- Updated Summer 2025: Best Running Watches for Women
- The Running Gear That’s Lasted Us the Longest
- Running is Ruining Your Hair. These 10 Products Will Help.
- Kilian’s Crazy Lifetime Trail Shoe: NNormal Kboix 01 First Run Review
Running 101
Go From Couch to Half Marathon in Just 20 Weeks with this Training Plan
Thinking of taking the 13.1-mile plunge but not sure where to start? This half marathon plan will carry you from the sofa to the start line—and across the finish too.
Editors’ Picks
- Welcome to Running: What New Runners Need to Know
- How to Bulletproof Your Legs Against the Most Common Running Overuse Injuries
- 8-Week Intermediate Half Marathon Training Plan
- 5 Key Workouts to Nail the Marathon and Half Marathon
- How to Fuel for a Half Marathon, Even if You Feel Like You Don’t Have to
- Running Gear for Beginners: Must-Haves vs. Nice-to-Haves
- Things to Know Before Your First 5k
Running With Dogs
Best Dogs for Runners
Dogs may be the perfect running partners: They're always ready to go, they eagerly keep pace, and they never complain about being tired. But not every dog is built for running. The ideal jogging companion is low-maintenance and obedient, with energy and endurance.
Editors’ Picks
Culture
Feeling Slower? A Study Suggests Social Media Could Be to Blame.
New data explores the complex links between your scrolling, mental fatigue, and athletic performance.
Editors’ Picks
- Latine-Led Run Clubs Emphasize Culture and Community Within the Sport
- Why We Need to Save College Track and Field and Other Olympic Sports
- How the Running Community on the South Side of Chicago Changed My Life Forever
- This Navajo Runner Challenges Stereotypes to Elevate Performance
- A Unique Program Is Inspiring Native Student Runners to Dream Big
- Stop Buying "Native Inspired" Designs from the Outdoor Industry
- Setting a Pace for Black Women Distance Runners
Running Wild
10 Remarkable Adventure Runs to Put on Your Bucket List
These 10 destination trail runs will be lifetime experiences for runners with an adventurous mindset
Editors’ Picks
- Why Chamonix Is the Center of the Trail Running Universe
- A Tale of Two Records on the Arizona Trail
- This Epic Ultramarathon Has More Llamas Than Runners
- The World's 8 Toughest Running Races
- A Guide to Running The Grand Canyon
- Barkley 100: The World’s Toughest Race
- 6 Great Trail Running Routes Around Chamonix, France
12 Unique Running Races (You Can Still Sign up for in 2025)
12 Unique Running Races (You Can Still Sign up for in 2025)
If you're looking for a race with charm, adventure, or an element of fun, we've got you covered.
In 2024, there were more than 85,000 running races in the US, according to RunSignUp data. From 5K fun runs to marathons and every distance in between, runners have countless options to choose from.
You can race the biggies, like New York, Chicago, and Boston, or head down to Disney World for your Mickey Mouse fix. You could pick one of the more well-known roadies like Big Sur, Peachtree, Rose Bowl, or Marine Corps.
But if you’re looking for truly unique running races, you might have to go off the beaten path. Some races are special, not because of their size or prestige, but because they embrace the quirky, weird, and totally wackadoodle that runners love.
We’re talking about races with cake at aid stations and diamond rings as awards. Races where you run from aliens, participate in a multigenerational feud, sample bourbon, or run up 86 flights of stairs. Races that take place at night under the midnight sun, underground in an active salt mine, or from a lighthouse on the coast.