Summer is here but that doesn’t mean your workout routine has to fall to the way side. It’s easy to dismiss hitting the gym with the beautiful weather outside, so why not combine your two interests? Vancouver and the surrounding area has dozens of fun, outdoor races to challenge you this summer. These races will make you break a sweat and have fun in the sun.
From running and climbing to swimming and biking, there’s a perfect fitness race for everyone. Fitness races come in different lengths and fitness levels too, guaranteeing everyone can take part in the challenge. The best part? You can invite your friends to participate as well!
You’ll get a workout, a tan and quality time with your friends this summer with any of these awesome fitness races below:
1. Tough Mudder
Event date: June 18th and 19th, 2016
With over 2.5 million participants since 2010, the Tough Mudder is easily one of the most popular obstacle course races on the planet. There’s no clock or winner. The Tough Mudder is all about camaraderie, with the group-oriented race being comprised of obstacles that will put your teamwork skills to the test.
Climb pyramids, swing from bars, crawl through mud pits- all with your team by your side. This race is ideal for groups of friends, colleagues and family looking to get know each other better and establish further trust and friendship.
2. Ironman Triathlon
Event date: July 24th, 2016
Not for the faint of heart, this challenging triathlon will put your fitness skills to the ultimate test with swimming, biking and running challenges throughout the race. It’s an internationally-recognized long distance race organized by the World Triathlon Corp. and its participants mean business.
The race is comprised of a 3.8km swim, a 180km bike ride and a 42.2km run along Whistler’s picturesque landscape, home to the 2010 Winter Olympics. If you’re looking to push your boundaries and challenge yourself both mentally and physically, the Ironman Triathlon is it.
3. Colour Me Rad
Event date: July 30th, 2016
Colour Me Rad is probably the most fun you can have while running a 5K race. The concept is simple: Run through downtown Vancouver and watch your outfit transform from white to rainbow as your fellow runners hit you with bags of colour, ranging from blue, pink, orange and yellow. Colour Me Rad is less about the race and more about the experience. Your time isn’t the focus of this race- how much you’re having while being physically active is!
It doesn’t matter if you’re running with friends or on your own- you’ll be sure to have the time of your life as you jog through the streets with thousands of others and are cheered on by bystanders (who will be more than happy to give you a colour high five as you pass!).
4. Rugged Maniac
Event date: August 13th, 2016
If you’re a fan of fitness, parties and having a good time, the Rugged Maniac is the perfect race for you. It has more obstacles per mile than the Tough Mudder and rewards you with a beer garden at the end of your race! The km race features 25 obstacles, the likes of which include jumping over fire, crawling through muddy tunnels and racing down a 50 foot water slide.
You can choose to be timed or not, the focus being on simply getting out there and giving it your all. The Rugged Maniac is part obstacle race, part music festival, with performances, mechanical bulls and a foam pit present throughout the day long event.
5. Awesome Warrior Challenge
Event date: September 17th and 18th, 2016
The Awesome Warrior Challenge is a one kilometre sprint with 25 obstacles set up throughout a maze. Agility and strength are a given but this race is designed to put your mental prowess to the test, for a complete mind and body challenge. With this fitness challenge, bringing your mental and physical A-game is a must.
The Awesome Warrior Challenge is a non-timed event, with the focus on having fun and taking your fitness to the next level. Everyone is welcome to participate, from beginners to seasoned athletes.
