If you're like most people, you hate running, but every so often a 5K comes around and you convince yourself that it could be fun. Before you know it, you spend $60 just to find yourself jogging around the block while receiving a free T-shirt that isn't even attractive. If you're going to spend money on running, you might as well spend it on a race that's worth the dough.
1. Minnesota Brewery Running Series
Did someone say beer? At a run? No way. You better believe it, because the Minnesota Brewery Running Series sends you out on a beer run, literally. You run all the way to your favorite local breweries where you can drink to your healthy lifestyle.
2. Hot Chocolate 5K
Unlike most runs, you don't have to wait until you cross the finish line to get your prize. Hot Chocolate 5K serves you delicious chocolate not only at the end of the race but along the course at designated sweet stations as well.
3. 5K Run Dead
This isn't just your average "dress up like a zombie and run around for a half hour" kind of race. No, the 5K Run Dead is a 5K meets flag football event. Runners must dodge zombies from taking their flags in order to stay alive. You can also register as a zombie to get a professional zombie make-over and chase after runners to collect as many of their flags as possible.
4. The Color Run
There's plenty of imitators out there, but if you're going to do it, you might as well stick with the original. Your squeaky clean white shirt (and your shoes, hair, and skin...) will get an upgrade running through the color zones at The Color Run, which prides itself on being "The Happiest 5K On The Planet".
5. Run and Ride
You already love riding your favorite coasters, so get some fitness in beforehand at Valleyfair's Run and Ride and score a ticket to the park to enjoy after you cross the finish line.
6. Bubble Run
It's all the fun of a foam party except it doesn't take place in the basement of a fraternity house and it's kid friendly! Run through mountains of sudsy bubbles at the Bubble Run and you'll be squeaky clean as you're dancing to the DJ at the after-party— no need to shower.
7. Midnight Sun Midnight Run
Warm nights by the lake are a summer luxury, so take advantage of it while you can at Midnight Sun Midnight Run in Duluth. Run along Lake Superior at midnight on a path lit by lanterns for the most relaxing jog you've ever had.
8. Fifteen's 5K
Twins fan? This is the 5K for you. Three-time All-Star Glen Perkins started Fifteen's 5K five years ago with his wife to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Today, participants are given the unique opportunity to cross the finish line ON home plate at Target Field and receive their medal from their favorite Twins players. Proceeds are donated to the Prairie Care Child and Family Fund. Things only get better if you're good at running or fundraising—there's Twins tickets, batting practice access, throwing out the first pitch at a game and dinner at local Minneapolis restaurants up for grabs.
