Around this time of year, everyone starts talking about health & fitness goals, right? It usually goes something like, “I’m going to enjoy the holidays, but starting January 1st, I’ll back in shape!”
Why not get a jump on that goal by enjoying one of the many organized runs in our area during the holiday season? It just might take the edge off all of those holiday goodies! From one mile fun-runs to full-on marathons, our list will have you running (or walking) from now, well into the new year!
North Texas Turkey Trot
November 23, 2017, Frisco, 1 Mile, 5k and 10k
Of course, the holiday run calendar kicks off with Frisco’s very own Turkey Trot! A beloved tradition for many families in the area, the North Texas Turkey Trot benefits the Miracle League of Frisco. Thousands will participate in the races that all start in Frisco Square. Families are encouraged to run together, from grandparents on down to the little ones. You can even register your dog! Dogs get their own race bib and even a special event bandana instead of a t-shirt.
50th Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot
November 23, 2017, Dallas, 8 mile and 5k
Not quite as close to home, but if you want to head down to Dallas, you can be a part of the “The Trot Golden Anniversary” as the Dallas YMCA celebrates 50 years of the Thanksgiving tradition. The largest Thanksgiving Day event of its kind in the country, over 25,000 participants will take part in the races and enjoy live music, bounce houses and other kids’ activities.
Run the Lights
December 1, 2017, Addison, 5k and Fun Run
The colorful, glittering lights of Vitruvian Park in Addison are truly a spectacular sight. This event is a chance to see the millions of sparkling lights up close as you run (or walk) through the twelve-acre park. I can imagine that your 3.1 miles will fly by with all the sparkling trees to distract you!
Santa Run Texas
December 2, 2017, Frisco, 1 mile and 5k
I hear from friends who have done this event that it’s simply a blast – and really, how could it not be? Thousands of people running through Frisco in a Santa suit? Can’t ask for a better way to start feeling festive! Every participant receives a four-piece Santa suit as part of their registration. (And yes, they have Santa suits in children’s sizes too, so register the whole family!) While this event has traditionally been in Plano, it moves to Frisco’s Toyota Stadium this year! The races are not timed; this event is purely for fun and fundraising, benefiting the FC Dallas Foundation and My Possibilities, a leader in vocational education for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Rudolph Run
December 2, 2017, Allen, 5k and Fun Run
Beginning on Main Street in Allen, the Rudolph Run takes runners through downtown Allen for a non-competitive one mile Fun Run and a chip-timed 5k race. It’s a family-friendly event that draws runners of all ages.
Hurts Donut Run
December 2, 2017, The Colony, 5k
Okay, so this run isn’t exactly holiday themed, but I had to include it in the list because it occurs in December and because…well…donuts! While they might encourage you to “Run ‘Til It Hurts,” they’ve got quite the reward waiting at the finish line – hot fresh donuts! So maybe this event won’t accomplish the goal of running off the holiday goodies, but we all deserve a treat every once in a while, right??
12th Annual Frosty 5k & Merry Mile
December 9th, 2017, Frisco, 1 mile and 5k
Frisco’s Frosty 5k & Merry Mile will celebrate its twelfth year with races that start and finish in front of City Hall. Runners in the 5k will enjoy a new route this year! The long sleeve race shirt that all registered runners receive looks great this year and will be a nice addition to any returning runner’s collection of race shirts.
Nighthawk Holiday Hustle
December 9, 2017, Prosper, Fun Run and 5k
The Nighthawk Holiday Hustle is presented by St. Martin de Porres Catholic School. Proceeds from the event will go to support the school’s educational athletic programs. Festive attire is encouraged and food trucks will be onsite if you need a post-race snack.
Dallas Jingle Bell Run
December 21, 2017, Dallas, Fun Run and 5k
The Generational Group Dallas Jingle Bell Run has been providing a festive good time for participants for over 20 years. Runners in this nighttime run receive a pair of jingle bells and glow sticks and will enjoy music and carolers along the course! The post-race party at the Dallas Anatole will even feature a live performance by The Spazmatics!
New Years Double
December 31, 2017 and January 1, 2018, Allen, 5k, Half Marathon and Marathon
This is for all you over-achievers out there! Two days of running back to back – New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day! You can mix and match distances however you like. Run a 5k on the morning of New Year’s Eve, then start 2018 off with a bang by participating in a full marathon on New Year’s Day. Or, if your New Year’s Eve plans might make running a marathon the next morning a little…um…difficult, run a half marathon on the 31st and come out for the more reasonable 5k on January 1st. Participants receive a different technical shirt and medal for each event. If you really want to put the rest of us to shame, run the Double Double – a 5k AND half or full marathon both days! That will earn you some serious bragging rights (and lots of medals)!
Resolution Run
January 13, 2017, McKinney, 1k, 5k and Half Marathon
Want to ring in the new year with a run but may need to sleep in on New Year’s Day? No worries! Frisco Running Company presents its Resolution Run at McKinney Boyd High School on January 13th, giving you some time to recover from your New Year’s Eve festivities!
As you can see, there are plenty of chances to stay active this holiday season. While you probably can’t run off an entire holiday feast with one 5K, getting out and crossing that finish line may help you feel a little less guilty about partaking in the pumpkin pie.
Do you know of another festive holiday run that didn’t make our list? Please share the info in the comments section below. Merry Running, Frisco!