Holidays are a time for friends, family, food ... and group running? It might sound strange, but it's true. Themed runs have been growing in popularity for years as people run through colors, mud, in costumes and more. But holiday runs are something special, a newer trend that tries to bring people together over festivities and street runs around a holiday theme. Take a look at the Turkey Trot, which has a version in many cities across the country. Or check out the Ugly Sweater Run, Santa Dash and the many Christmas Park Runs around the United States. Holiday running is hitting it big and getting more people than ever to join in on the fun.
Why So Popular?
So, what's with the rise in holiday runs lately? Well, in addition to the growing popularity of theme runs, in general, several things make the holidays a great time for group runs. During the holidays, people tend to gather together with friends and family anyway. This means looking for activities that everyone can enjoy, and a simple run downtown or at a nearby park is a great solution to the inevitable question of, "What should we do?" What's even better is that a growing number of these races include options for people with disabilities and children, making it possible for the entire family to enjoy a fun run/walk.
They're also an excellent way to prevent holiday weight gain. Many people's thoughts turn to dieting and food through the holidays, and most don't want to gain any more pounds with all the delicious baking that happens. Thus, holiday runs are a great way for people to feel good about their health and burn some calories before heading back to enjoy dessert. Add to it that people are using fitness trackers more than ever, and perhaps found one in their stocking on Christmas morning. What better way to test their new tech out than with a run? It's also a great time to use gift certificates for a vitamin & supplements store.
Perhaps most importantly, many of the holiday runs are aimed at highlighting local events, such as the lighting of the town Christmas tree, or a local charity.
Things to Keep In Mind
Holiday runs do come with their own challenges, too. By all means get excited about a new run, but also keep these things in mind when signing up. Rain, cold temperatures, and ice can all plague holiday runs (that's why Fourth of July was the first holiday run day to become popular, not Christmas). If you are going to run, you need to be prepared. Warm clothing with wicking properties, shoes with studs or stud accessories, and other materials will help you stay safe. And when you do cross the finish line, there just might be a cup of hot chocolate waiting for you.
While the holidays can be a great time to get involved in a race, remember that running is not going to be enjoyable if you've eaten too much food or had a few drinks. Run clean and wait to enjoy a big meal or a cocktail until after you've finished.
Recent Comments