If training’s starting to feel a little boring, or you’re just craving something different, signing up for a race outside the usual 5k or half marathon might be exactly what you need. We did the research and found some unique races across the country (and world!) that might not be on your radar…. yet.
This list dives into everything from fast, exciting one-milers to tough 19 mile challenges in some of the most incredible places in the world.
These races are quirky and challenging and some even come with pretty epic views. They’re the perfect way to shake things up and maybe even put a little extra pep in your step!
10 Unique Races to Add to Your List
#1 Newport Spirt Run 1 Miler
Date: March 15, 2025
Location: Newport, California
Distance: 1 Mile
Spirit Run is a super fast 1-mile race that is fun for the entire family. There are multiple events set up throughout the day from Elite races to a dog mile and even a 5k. This race started back in 1983 and has grown into a 1,000+ person event that runners look forward to year after year.
Dogs are usually not welcome at races but they sure are at the Newport Spirit race weekend. You can sign up for the Dog Mile and bring your four legged friend to run alongside you!
The event not only creates an incredible race day experience but gives back to the community as well!
Olympian, Steve Scott has participated in the race every single year and has even set the world record for running the most sub 4 minute miles (137times!!!).
Photo credit: Newport Spirit Run
#2 Ohio State 4 Miler
Date: April 13, 2025 *change from the typical fall date*
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Distance: 4 Miles
If you’re a big college football fan, this race is one you definitely should add to your list. It’s the largest 4-mile race in the US with 12,000 participants!
The course loops around the Ohio State campus and the best part is that the finish line is right on the 50 yard line of the football field. Just think of when you’re watching a football game on TV and can say you ran on the field!
It’s a great way to celebrate fitness and football.
This race usually is during the fall football season but has recently been changed to a spring race date.
Photo credit: m3ssports
#3 Shamrock Shuffle 8K
Date: March 23, 2025
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Distance: 8k
Another ode to St. Patrick’s Day and one to kick off the spring running season in Chicago. You never know what to expect from the weather for this race but that doesn’t matter because you’ll be too busy having fun. It has grown in popularity since it started and now has over 24,000 participants!!
This race is a little more carefree and participants are encouraged to dress up in costume as they take in the streets of downtown Chicago.
The city is flooded by runners dressed in green and sporting the traditional pom-pom hat that is given as race swag.
Race the 8k for a personal best, have fun running with friends, or be a spectator and watch the Elite field fly by.
Photo credit: Chicago Endurance Sports
#4 Wharf to Wharf Race
Date: July 27, 2025
Location: Santa Cruz, California
Distance: 6 Miles
Wharf to Wharf is actually one of the biggest summer events of its kind on the West Coast. Elite runners show up to test their speed but plenty of others come just for the race day experience.
If you’re looking to test your fitness, this flat course will give you that. If you’re looking for a race that feels more like a party, this is also it! Expect live bands, balloon arches, and the community making lots of noise.
The energy is nonstop from the starting line to the finish next to the beach, making it one of those events you’ll want to run at least once.
Make sure you set a reminder to register for this one because it sells out within a mere few hours. You don’t want to miss your chance of grabbing one of the 16,000 spots!
Photo credit: Wharf to Wharf Race
#5 Lilac Bloomsday Run 12K
Date: May 4, 2025
Location: Spokane, Washington
Distance: 12k
A race founded by Olympic marathoner, Don Kardong, in honor of the famous Irish writer James Joyce. Sounds a little random, right?
Well Bloomsday is the holiday that celebrates Joyce’s life and his famous writings like Ulysses – and according to Kardong – “a road race is an odyssey, not unlike the one Ulysses endured in his return to Ithaca after the Trojan War, a journey described in great detail by the Greek poet Homer.” – Bloomsday
A bit of a mouthful – but this 7 1/2 mile “odyssey” through the streets of The Lilac City (Spokane) is a beautiful celebration. It draws almost 35,000 runners, walkers, wheelchairs, kids and stroller pushers, basically one super big party!
The course is packed with entertainment to keep your spirits high. Get ready for rock bands, belly dancers, and even accordion players. You never know what you’ll see (or hear) around the next corner, but one thing’s for sure is that it’ll be a race experience you won’t forget.
Photo credit: Bloomsday Run
#6 Great Aloha Run
Date: February 17, 2025
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
Distance: 8.15 Miles
If you needed an excuse to book a trip to Hawaii, this race might be it! The 8.15-mile run through Honolulu is the largest race in the state and was named one of the “100 Great Road Races” by Runner’s World.
The course is flat and fast, perfect if you’re chasing a PR, but the real draw is the views. You’ll run past Honolulu Harbor and cross the finish line in the iconic Aloha Stadium, home to the University of Hawaii football team.
True to its name, “Ke kukini me ke aloha pau‘ole,” meaning the race with compassionate love, this race welcomes everyone. It’s all about celebrating the journey, no matter how you cross the finish line.
A fun fact: of the roughly 25,000 participants of the race, about 5,000 of them are members of US Armed Forces.
Photo Credit: Great Aloha Run Facebook
#7 Boilermaker 15K
Date: July 13, 2025
Location: Utica, New York
Distance: 15k
Sure, a 9.3 mile run in the July heat may not sound like the most fun thing but the residents of Utica know how to take advantage of the dog days of summer! Boilermaker Week is a week long celebration of summer fun and fitness.
Not up for the 15k? There’s a 5k and plenty of kid friendly events too. Plus, the week ends with a big post race party perfect for the entire family.
This race has started to sell out reaching its cap of 10,000 runners. It’s a super competitive field if you an elite and if you’re not running it’s definitely one to spectate.
Even though it’s a super hilly and challenging course, it’s still one that’s making its way to the top of many runner’s must-do lists.
Photo credit: Boilermaker 15k
Looking for a training plan? Check out our FREE 10 Mile Training Plan. It can help you prepare for some of the races on this list that are not the normal 10k or half marathon distance.
#8 Marine Corps 17.75K
Date: March 22, 2025
Location: Dumfries, Virginia
Distance: 17.75k
We know 17.5k is such a random distance but there’s a reason behind it. It’s a unique race to celebrate the year the Marine Corps was founded. If you’re a history buff (or just love a good challenge), this one’s worth adding to your list. Just a heads up, this is a race that’s known to sell out!
This is a smaller race with around 3,000 runners, so if being around people helps to keep you motivated this one may be a little on the quiet side.
March in Virginia can throw anything your way, rain, snow, cold…..but if you’re up for hills and unpredictable weather, the trade off is a stunning, history-filled course.
Along the way, you’ll wind through the wooded trails of Prince William Forest Park before reaching the historic Battle of Belleau Wood, just outside Quantico Base.
PLUS those participants who cross the finish line automatically qualify for the Marine Corps Marathon.
Photo credit: Marine Marathon
#9 Charleston Distance Run
Date: August 30, 2025
Location: Charleston, West Virginia
Distance: 15 Miles
Known as “America’s 15-Miler,” this race is a can’t-miss event for runners around West Virginia.
This is the only 15 mile race in the country and hasn’t quite yet grown to be as large as other races on this list with about 1,000 participants. We know that it’s a super unique distance but it’s perfect if you need a longer training run for a fall marathon!
Don’t let the flat start and finish fool you, this course is a challenging one! Be prepared to battle a few uphill miles through the West Virginia State Capital and travel all through the streets of downtown Charleston, before ending alongside the historic riverfront.
If the 15 miler sounds like too much, don’t worry there are three events that weekend. Create a relay team to cover the 15 miles or sign up for the 5k, there’s something for everyone to take part in the fun.
Photo credit: Charleston Distance Run Instagram
#10 King Island Imperial 20
Date: March 9, 2025
Location: Tasmania, Australia
Distance: 19 Miles
Ready for an adventure? This 19 mile race in Australia is definitely one worth traveling for! As the country’s only coast-to-coast run, it takes you from the seaside town of Naracoopa across King Island, finishing in the heart of Currie.
This would be a great supported long run if you’re training for a spring marathon. Now we don’t expect you to travel across the world just for a training run but hey it could be fun!
The race is still super small with about 100-150 participants. The race has been around for 30+ years so even with the smaller size, it’s still one that while challenging, has some runners returning year after year.
The people is what really makes this race special. Past participants rave about the incredible hospitality, with locals going out of their way to make runners feel welcome.
Food, fun, hospitality, and more… this is one of those races you’ll be talking about for years.
Photo credit: Tasmanian Road Runners
If you’re after a new challenge or just need a break from routine finding unique races can make running exciting again. You never know, a little change might be exactly what you need to boost your motivation and keep training fun.
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