Before you start inhaling candy canes, celebrate the holidays by signing up for Christmas themed holiday run. It may be a little colder outside but don’t let that stop you from warming up with a good run. Running in the cold weather is actually healthier than running during other seasons because the cold decreases the heat stress on your body, it prevents the seasonal slowdown of your metabolism in the winter, and it gives you a chance to get rid of all that holiday weight gain. New York, Las Vegas, Chicago, and Washington D.C. are some cities that will be hosting a Christmas themed holiday run in the upcoming weeks. Since this is the season of giving, most of these runs are for a great cause like Toys for Tots, Arthritis Foundation, and students living in poverty. Below are some of the upcoming races we are most excited about.
1. Jingle Bell Jog
Where: 95 Prospect Park West Brooklyn, N.Y. 11215
When: Saturday December 7, 2013 9:30 a.m.
Cost: $50-$55
If you’re a beginning runner in the New York City metropolitan area, you will want to run this race. Instead of running in circles, this race has twist and turn that will keep you on your toes. The proceeds from this race will go towards youth programs run by the New York Road Runners. A sneaker drive that will be matched by ASICS will also be going on. This race is a marathon qualifier and is 4 miles long.
2. Jingle All The Way 8K
Where: 302 12th St. NW Washington DC 20004
When: Friday December 8, 2013 9:00 a.m.
Cost: $35
Jingle bells, complimentary brushed tech tees, and unlimited hot chocolate are all included with this holiday inspired run. Costumed are encouraged and they’re even giving away a free brunch. This course is U.S.A. Track and Field certified as a fast 8K and will on a high paced tour of downtown DC. The U.S. Capitol building, the National Mall and countless museums are some of the monuments you’ll be running by.
3. Holiday Half Merrython
Where: Good Harbor Beach Thatcher Road Gloucester, MA 01930
When: Friday December 8, 2013
Cost: $60-$80
This race is two races in one: a 2.62 mile race and a half Merrython. The 2.62 mile race is already sold out, but you can still participate if you purchased both races in a package. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the One Fund Boston and Highlander Club. Depending on which races you complete you will receive a shirt, hat, custom medal or all three. There are only 50 bibs left so don’t wait to sign up for this race.
4. Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis
Where: Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum 2430 North Cannon Drive Chicago IL 60614
When: Saturday December 14, 2013
Cost: $10-$45
This Christmas themed run is not only for a cause, but you can get chased by Santa himself (if you’re under the age of 6). This event has 4 races: a 10K, a 5K, a youth 5K and a Santa Chase. There will be many post-race festivities and an award ceremony. There will be a gear check where you can leave your things and even strollers are allowed in the race. This run is great for the whole family and you can pick up your registration packet in advance. All of the proceeds will be going to the Arthritis Foundation.
5. Houston’s 12K of Christmas
Where: 1500 McKinney St. Houston, Texas 77010
When: Saturdau December 21, 2013 7:45 a.m.
Cost: $15-$50
Houston 12K of Christmas is a combination of two marathon races in order to raise money for the Yellowstone Academy School. There is a 12K and 6K, with special registration prices for kids. If you aren’t to run, you can make a donation online to the school which helps children from low income families. If you donate $25 one student will have breakfast and lunch for a week. If you donate $50, you can provide a student with uniforms for a whole year.
No holiday runs for me, however, I do work out every day over the holidays, it’s such an easy – and free – way to reduce the common problem of stress during these weeks! Everyone who stops working out is setting themselves up for some extreme stress!